What is the difference between an immigrant and a nonimmigrant?

An immigrant is an individual who has been granted permanent residence in the United States. This means they have the right to live and work in the US and they can also eventually become a United States citizen. On the other hand, a nonimmigrant is an individual who has been granted temporary residence in the United States. Nonimmigrants are typically here for a limited amount of time, such as for study, work, or visiting. They typically will not be entitled to the same rights and benefits as immigrants, such as the right to work or receive public benefits. Nonimmigrants must also abide by laws and regulations for their duration of stay, including maintaining valid travel documents and filing taxes if necessary. Upon expiration of their nonimmigrant status, they must return to their place of origin or find another nonimmigrant status to continue their stay. In New York, individuals who apply for and are granted citizenship are classified as immigrants. For immigrants, becoming a citizen requires them to meet certain requirements, such as having a certain amount of residence time in the U.S., passing a citizenship test, and good moral character. Once a person attains citizenship, they can enjoy the many benefits of living as a US citizen such as the right to vote and work without restrictions, travel freely, access government services, and participate in government programs. Nonimmigrants do not have these same privileges and rights and may need to renew their status if they wish to continue their stay.

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La diferencia principal entre los inmigrantes y los no inmigrantes es el estatus legal. Un inmigrante es alguien que busca vivir permanentemente en el país al solicitar y obtener la residencia permanente o la ciudadanía. Por el contrario, un no inmigrante ingresa legalmente al país por un periodo limitado de tiempo, generalmente para trabajar, estudiar o pasar tiempo con familiares. En el estado de Nueva York, para obtener la ciudadanía o residencia permanente, los inmigrantes deben aplicar a través de una variedad de programas, como la tarjeta verde, el estatus de protección temporal o el estatus de refugiado. La residencia permanente otorga a los inmigrantes varios derechos, que les permiten trabajar y solicitar ciudadanía. Además, la ciudadanía otorga el derecho a un ciudadano a votar y ser elegible para recibir ciertas becas gubernamentales y otras ayudas. Los no inmigrantes, sin embargo, no son elegibles para estos beneficios.

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What is the difference between an immigrant and a nonimmigrant?

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