What is the difference between a green card and citizenship?

A green card and citizenship are two different statuses in the United States. A green card, or permanent resident card, is a document that allows a person to legally live and work in the United States long-term. It also gives the green card holder certain rights, such as the ability to access certain government programs. In order to get a green card, a person must have an approved immigration petition, such as through marriage, employment, or family. Citizenship, on the other hand, is the highest form of legal status in the United States. A citizen has all of the rights of a permanent resident, but they are also able to vote, hold political office, and travel with a U.S. passport. In order to become a citizen, a person has to be a permanent resident first and then apply for naturalization. The process requires a background check, an exam that tests knowledge of U.S. history and government, and an interview with immigration officials. In South Dakota, immigrants who are married can apply for a green card based on their marriage. Once they are a green card holder, they can then apply for citizenship. In order to qualify, they must meet certain requirements such as maintaining their permanent resident status for at least three years, paying taxes, and attending an interview with immigration officials.

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La diferencia entre una tarjeta verde y la ciudadanía es significativa, especialmente para aquellos inmigrantes que aspiran a convertirse en ciudadanos de Estados Unidos. Una tarjeta verde, también conocida como Tarjeta de Residencia Permanente, es un permiso legal para residir y trabajar en Estados Unidos por un período indefinido. Ya sea que se obtenga por trabajar, por familiares o por matrimonio, con una tarjeta verde se puede viajar libremente fuera y dentro de los Estados Unidos, obtener beneficios de seguridad social y obtener la residencia en algunos estados. La ciudadanía, por otra parte, se puede obtener de dos maneras principales: ya sea a través de la nacionalización (por lo general después de cinco años en los Estados Unidos con una tarjeta verde) o por nacimiento (si se nace en los Estados Unidos o en un país extranjero con ambos padres que son ciudadanos de los Estados Unidos). Al ser un ciudadano, tendrá la posibilidad de votar, obtener beneficios especiales, incluidas becas universitarias y trabajos para el gobierno y hacerse cargo de una posición política. En South Dakota, el matrimonio es uno de los principales caminos para obtener una tarjeta verde. El Cónyuge de un ciudadano de los Estados Unidos puede obtener una tarjeta verde y comenzar el proceso de obtener la ciudadanía. Sin embargo, no todos los inmigrantes que ingresan a los Estados Unidos a través del matrimonio obtendrán automáticamente la ciudadanía, y para obtenerla tendrán que cumplir con los requisitos necesarios.

Related FAQs

Are there any special requirements for filing a marriage-based visa application?
Is there any special documentation I need to provide to prove my marriage is real?
Can my non-U.S. citizen spouse adjust their status if already in the U.S.?
Is marriage a type of immigration status?
What is the process for marriage-based immigration cases?
Do I need to provide any financial information when applying for a marriage-based visa?
Do I need to have children in order to get a green card through marriage?
How do I prove that I have lived in the U.S. for at least three years?
Can I still get a green card if I entered the U.S. without inspection?
Is there a filing fee to apply for a marriage-based visa?

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