What are the main differences between a green card and visa?

Green cards and visas are both important documents that allow someone to legally reside and work in the United States, but there are some major differences between the two. A green card, or permanent resident card, is issued to those who have been granted permanent residence in the United States, and the holder has the right to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely. Green cards can be obtained through family, work or humanitarian reasons, such as refugee status. On the other hand, a visa is a document issued to non-citizens that allows them to enter the United States, either temporarily or permanently. There are different types of visas for different types of immigrants, such as student visas, work visas, and tourist visas. Unlike green cards, a visa does not confer permanent residence status. Another difference between the two is that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues green cards, while visas are issued by the Department of State or a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. In North Carolina, green cards holders are considered permanent residents, which means that they are eligible for all the same benefits and rights as U.S. citizens. For example, permanent residents can get drivers licenses, get government benefits and enroll in public schools. They are also allowed to travel freely in and out of the United States, as long as they maintain their permanent residence status. Visas on the other hand, can only be used to enter the United States and do not confer any of the other rights or benefits that a green card holder is entitled to.

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Las principales diferencias entre una tarjeta verde y una visa son diversas. Una tarjeta verde es el documento oficial que otorga a un extranjero el estado de residente permanente de los Estados Unidos, mientras que una visa es el documento que otorga a un individuo el derecho a entrar temporalmente al país. Los residentes permanentes tienen los derechos de solicitar a su familia para poder venir a vivir a los Estados Unidos, obtener beneficios de salud pública, trabajar y establecerse en los Estados Unidos. También pueden solicitar la ciudadanía de los Estados Unidos luego de cinco años. Por otra parte, los individuos con visa pueden entrar temporalmente a los Estados Unidos con el fin de trabajar, estudiar, asistir a reuniones o vacacionar. Una vez que el permiso de visa expira, el individuo debe regresar al país de origen. Además, una tarjeta verde lleva consigo la responsabilidad de cumplir con los impuestos y contribuciones federales, mientras que una visa no requiere que el individuo cumpla con estos requisitos. Por otra parte, la tarjeta verde no es transferible a otra persona, mientras que una visa sí puede ser transferida a otra persona. En el estado de Carolina del Norte, una tarjeta verde es una forma de obtener una residencia permanente, mientras que una visa, a diferente de una tarjeta verde, no otorga el estatus de residencia permanente.

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What are the main differences between a green card and visa?

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