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

A visa and a green card are both documents that allow a person to legally live and work in the United States; however, they differ significantly. A visa is granted to a person from outside of the United States to temporarily visit or work in the United States. Visas may be for tourism, business, study, or employment and generally have specific restrictions and requirements. Depending on the type of visa, the person may be permitted to reside in the U.S. for a certain length of time. A green card, on the other hand, is a permanent residency card that allows a person to live and work in the United States indefinitely. It is also known as a Permanent Resident Card or an Alien Registration Card. A green card holder has the right to remain in the U.S. permanently and is eligible to apply for U.S. citizenship. In Massachusetts, a foreign citizen or national may apply for either a visa or a green card depending on their situation. For example, if a person is applying for a job in the U.S., they may need to obtain a visa that is specific to that job. On the other hand, a person who is looking to become a permanent resident may need to apply for a green card. Ultimately, the difference between a visa and a green card is that a visa is temporary and used for visiting or working in the United States while a green card is a permanent residency card that allows a person to stay in the United States indefinitely.

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La diferencia entre una visa y una tarjeta verde es que una visa es un documento temporal para ingresar a los Estados Unidos, mientras que una tarjeta verde es un documento de largo plazo que otorga a la persona el estatus de residente permanente. Las personas con una visa generalmente tienen permiso para permanecer en los Estados Unidos durante un periodo limitado de tiempo, como por ejemplo un par de años. Algunas visas también pueden permitir a su titular trabajar durante el tiempo que dure su visado. Por otro lado, la tarjeta verde otorga el estatus de residente permanente, lo que le permite a la persona vivir y trabajar legalmente en los Estados Unidos de forma indefinida. A las personas con una tarjeta verde también se les conoce como inmigrantes a largo plazo o inmigrantes. En el estado de Massachusetts, los inmigrantes con tarjeta verde tienen los mismos derechos y responsabilidades que los ciudadanos estadounidenses, a excepción de poder votar y servir en el ejército.

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

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