Immigrants vs Green Card Holders: What's the Difference?
The United States has long been a melting pot of cultures and ethnicities, and the primary way that people from other countries come to live and work in the US is by obtaining either an immigrant visa or a green card. While both may seem similar, there are significant differences between them.
An immigrant visa is a type of visa issued to individuals who intend to live and work in the US permanently. This means that these individuals plan on being in the country for an indefinite amount of time. Immigrant visas are typically granted based on a petition from a family member, an employer, or through the Diversity Visa Lottery Program. Once the individual arrives in the US, they will have a certain amount of time (usually six months) to apply for a green card.
A green card, also known as a Permanent Resident Card, is a document that grants someone the legal right to live and work in the US on a permanent basis. It is called a green card because the card used to be green in color. People who are granted green cards have all of the rights and responsibilities as US citizens, except for the right to vote in elections and hold certain government positions. A green card must be renewed every 10 years and can be revoked if certain conditions are not met, such as committing a serious crime.
So, what are the main differences between an immigrant visa and a green card? Immigration visas are temporary, while green cards are permanent. This means that the visa holder must eventually leave the country, while green card holders can stay as long as they like. Additionally, the process of obtaining an immigrant visa is usually longer and more complex than obtaining a green card. Green cards also come with more rights and benefits, such as being able to sponsor family members for green cards and being eligible for certain government benefits and programs.
In conclusion, while both immigrant visas and green cards allow individuals from other countries to come to the US to live and work, they differ in terms of purpose, duration, and benefits. Immigrant visas are temporary and serve as a stepping stone to obtaining a green card, while green cards grant individuals permanent residency in the US. Regardless of which option someone chooses, both offer opportunities for a new life and a sense of belonging in the land of opportunity.