Having a green card is proof of your permanent residency status, which means that you can live and work permanently in the United States. There are several ways in which you can obtain a green card.
Employment-based green card
One way to get a green card is through a job or job offer. In this case, you will have to be highly skilled or have an extraordinary ability in professions that require a certain specialization.
Green card through adoption
Foreign-born children adopted by a US citizen can get a green card. There are some requirements you have to fulfill in this category such as being adopted before the age of 16, lawful custody for at least two years, etc.
While most green card holders are petitioned by family members or job offers, you can also get one through your own initiative. You can fall into the green card through investment category, wherein your permanent residency is granted on the merits of creating jobs or giving employment to US citizens.