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

A visa and a green card are two very different types of documents related to immigration law, though they are closely connected. A visa is a document that allows a foreign national to enter and remain in the United States, usually for a specific period of time, depending on the type of visa. Visas are issued by the United States Department of State and allow a person to stay in the U.S. for a limited amount of time, typically for tourism, study, or employment. A green card, officially known as an “Alien Registration Card” or “Permanent Resident Card,” is a document issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It is a form of identification for a person who is not a citizen of the United States, but who has been granted the right to permanently live and work in the U.S. Unlike a visa, a green card is not temporary and allows the holder to stay in the U.S. indefinitely. With a green card, a person can eventually apply for U.S. citizenship. In summary, a visa allows a foreign national to legally enter the U.S., while a green card grants the holder the right to permanently live and work in the U.S. It is important to note that these documents are specific to immigration law in Maryland and may differ in other states.

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La principal diferencia entre una visa y una tarjeta verde es muy simple: una visa te permite entrar a los Estados Unidos temporalmente para realizar una actividad específica, mientras que la tarjeta verde le otorga estatus de residencia permanente. Las visas se clasifican en dos categorías: las de no inmigrante y las de inmigrante. Las visas de no inmigrante son para los que entran de manera temporal en los Estados Unidos para trabajar, estudiar, viajar, etc. Las visas de inmigrante son para aquellos que quieren convertirse en residentes legales permanentes. Las tarjetas verdes, también conocidas como residencia permanente, le permiten a los inmigrantes vivir y trabajar de forma permanente en los Estados Unidos. Para obtener una tarjeta verde, primero debes reunir los requisitos para obtener una visa de inmigrante y luego solicitarla. Una vez que la recibas, podrás trabajar legalmente, solicitar servicios públicos y en algunas circunstancias solicitar la ciudadanía estadounidense. En Maryland, hay muchos recursos disponibles para las personas interesadas en obtener una visa o tarjeta verde. Estos incluyen programas de asesoramiento gratuito, programas educativos y de apoyo y otros recursos para ayudar a los solicitantes. Si tienes preguntas o necesitas más información sobre cómo obtener una visa o tarjeta verde, puedes comunicarte con el Departamento de Inmigración y Aduanas de los Estados Unidos en Maryland.

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