What is the Green Card?

A Green Card is a type of visa status in the United States that allows foreign nationals to live and work legally in America. This type of visa is commonly referred to as a permanent resident card, or an immigrant visa. It is issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). In California, having a Green Card is the most common way for a foreign national to obtain legal residency with the permission of the federal government. Green Card holders in California have access to many rights and privileges including the right to work, access to social benefits, and the ability to travel freely in and out of the country. Although having a Green Card does not provide a person with full citizenship in California, it does allow foreign nationals to remain in the United States for an indefinite period of time. To become a full citizen in California, one must pass the naturalization process which includes a background check, language proficiency test, and other requirements. California also allows Green Card holders to become eligible to receive public benefits, such as healthcare, education, and other services. Furthermore, California is a state that recognizes the rights of immigrants and offers legal protections to them. It is important to note that the rules surrounding green cards and immigration law vary state-by-state, so it is important to consult a knowledgeable immigration attorney if you have any questions.

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La "tarjeta verde" o Green Card es el nombre conocido para el documento de Residente Permanente de los Estados Unidos (Forma I-551). El titular de la tarjeta verde es una persona autorizada para vivir y trabajar en los Estados Unidos de forma indefinida. La Tarjeta Verde también le otorga al titular derechos similares a los de un ciudadano estadounidense, como la protección de las leyes de los Estados Unidos y el derecho a recibir servicios públicos como la educación dentro de la jurisdicción estadounidense. En California, los residentes permanentes tienen derechos similares a los de los ciudadanos estadounidenses. Si tienes la tarjeta verde, tienes derecho a vivir y trabajar en los Estados Unidos de forma indefinida. También tienes derecho a recibir beneficios sociales y de trabajo como los de los ciudadanos estadounidenses. Los residentes permanentes también tienen derecho a votar en algunas elecciones locales y estatales. Los residentes permanentes que deseen cambiar su estatus de residentes permanentes a ciudadanos deben presentar una solicitud de naturalización con el USCIS (Servicio de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de los Estados Unidos). Éste es un proceso extenso que normalmente toma entre 6 y 12 meses para completarse. Si aprobado, el residente permanente se convierte en ciudadano de los Estados Unidos y recibirá la Tarjeta de Naturalización (Forma N-550).

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