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A Green Card is documentation that establishes permanent resident status for citizens who aren’t American. It is similar to but not the same as naturalized citizen rights which provide additional benefits like voting and running for public office. Naturalization requires five years of residency and proof of good character; these requirements can be waived if you are married to an American citizen though requirements lessen over time regardless. Green cards are renewed every ten years thereafter until one reaches retirement age where they no longer need renewal unless their status changes (divorce etc.) Exceptions such as minors and students only affect green cards requiring renewal at different times and under differing conditions than other adult green card holders. For example, children reach majority at 21 so their parents must either petition on behalf of them at age 21 or wait another decade assuming all eligibility criteria still apply before doing so unless other exceptions apply e.g.. marriage alters eligibility timing after two full years of residency without any incidents causing disqualification per USCIS.