Green Card

Brontë Parrish, a horticulturalist and environmentalist, agrees to a Green Card marriage with Georges Fauré, an undocumented immigrant from France, so he can remain in the United States. She leverages their fake union to rent the apartment she dreams of. To avoid questions about Georges, she tells the building staff and neighbors that he is away in Africa conducting musical research.

Brontë is contacted by the Immigration and Naturalization Service for an interview to verify the marriage. She tracks down Georges, who is working as a waiter, and they scramble to recall details under time pressure. The investigating agents initially appear satisfied with their responses.

During the questioning, one agent asks to use the bathroom and Georges directs him to a closet, arousing the agents' suspicions. They decide to schedule a full, formal interview two days later. The couple realizes the sham may be unraveling.

Advised by her attorney that she could face criminal charges if the deception is uncovered, Brontë invites Georges to move into her apartment. They begin living together and must navigate their clashing habits and unresolved feelings. The temporary domestic arrangement complicates their already fragile situation.

The two attempt to learn about each other's past and habits, but their incompatible personalities create friction. Georges is fiery-tempered, selfish, and a smoker who prefers red meat; Brontë stays uptight, plant-obsessed, and environmentally focused. The mismatch foreshadows the emotional stakes of the looming interview.

Meanwhile, Lauren Adler's parents plan to donate their plants to the Green Guerrillas, and Brontë is invited to a dinner party to discuss the issue. Georges attends, having been asked by Lauren, and he impresses the Adlers with an impressionistic piano piece set to a poem about children and trees. They agree to donate their plants to the Green Guerrillas.

When Brontë's parents arrive unannounced at the apartment, Georges pretends to be the handyman to hide their living arrangement. The ruse momentarily dodges awkward questions but reveals the stakes of the deception. The family dynamic under pressure intensifies the need for a real resolution.

Brontë's boyfriend Phil returns from a trip, and Georges openly reveals that he is married to Brontë. The admission shocks Phil and destabilizes the already shaky marriage cover. Brontë's anger leads to Georges being kicked out, but the situation remains unresolved.

The couple attend the immigration interview the next day and are questioned separately. Georges is caught out by the interviewer and admits the marriage is a sham. He agrees to deportation but asks that Brontë not be charged.

A few days later Georges invites Brontë to the cafe where they first met. She spots an immigration agent waiting outside and realizes he is being deported; they confront their feelings. He promises to write daily and, drawing out their wedding rings, they exchange rings again and kiss.

Georges departs with the immigration agent, and Brontë watches from the sidewalk as he is taken away. The act closes the immediate chapter of their romance, while leaving their feelings intact for the future.