A couple of minutes ago, I have finally received the magic email I have been stressing about for the past 5 years or so:

Application Type: I485 , APPLICATION TO REGISTER PERMANENT RESIDENCE OR TO ADJUST STATUS

Current Status: Notice mailed welcoming the new permanent resident.

On February 10, 2009, we mailed you a notice that we had registered this customer's new permanent resident status. Please follow any instructions on the notice. Your new permanent resident card should be mailed within 60 days following this registration or after you complete any ADIT processing referred to in the welcome notice, whichever is later. If you move before you get your new card call customer service. You can also receive automatic e-mail updates as we process your case. Just follow the link below to register.

In short: I AM GETTING MY GREEN CARD!!!

After living here in the US for almost 10 years now, I am just NOW being considered a permanent resident! This new status gives me a new level of freedom: to travel, work for whom I want, etc.

We will be having a green card party at our place very soon. Stay tuned for details!

I am incredibly excited and so relieved about this!