What is the difference between a green card and a visa?

A green card and a visa are both immigration documents, but they serve different purposes. A green card, also known as a permanent resident card, is an immigration document that grants a foreign citizen permission to live and work permanently in the United States. This document is issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once a foreign citizen obtains a green card, they are able to remain in the United States and apply for U.S. citizenship after a certain period of time. A visa, on the other hand, is an immigration document that grants a foreign citizen permission to stay in the United States for a limited period of time. Visas are issued by the U.S. Department of State, and they are usually given to those who are coming to the U.S. for education, work, or leisure. The type and duration of the visa depend on the purpose of the visit. After their visa expires, the foreign citizen is required to leave the United States. Therefore, a green card provides a foreign citizen with permanent residency in the United States, while a visa only provides temporary permission to stay in the country. It is important to note that many foreign citizens must obtain a visa before they can apply for a green card.

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La diferencia entre una tarjeta verde y una visa, según la ley de inmigración familiar en Maryland, es que la tarjeta verde permite a un inmigrante convertirse en un residente permanente. Esta tarjeta también garantiza determinados derechos, como el derecho a trabajar legalmente, obtener un seguro de salud y acceder a ciertas protecciones de la ley. Por el contrario, una visa a menudo se refiere a un estado temporal. Muchos extranjeros usan una visa para visitar temporalmente los Estados Unidos, generalmente para fines turísticos o de negocios. Algunas visas más específicas también permiten que los extranjeros trabajen legalmente en los Estados Unidos por un periodo de tiempo limitado. A diferencia de una tarjeta verde, una visa no garantiza ningún derecho legal permanente. Una visa expira en una fecha determinada y generalmente no se puede renovar. Los inmigrantes deben obtener una tarjeta verde si desean convertirse en residentes permanentes.

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