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What is a Green Card in America?

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What is a Green Card in America? The Green Card is like a special pass that lets you live and work in the United States. It’s a big deal because it means you’re seen as equal to someone who was born in America. With a Green Card, you can chase your dreams and start a new life in this country full of opportunities.

A green card, also known as a Permanent Resident Card, is a document issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that grants a foreign national permanent resident status in the United States. This allows the cardholder to live and work permanently in the United States.

Origin of Green Card

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The idea of living a good life in the USA has been around for a long time. Even in the 1980s, songs and movies talked about it. But it wasn’t until 1940 that the government said non-Americans had to register. After World War II, they made the Green Card, which says you can stay and work in the USA. It’s changed a few times since then, but the version we have now came out in 2010.

What a Green Card Means for You

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Getting a Green Card feels like winning a big prize. It’s the dream for many people, especially if they’ve tried before and failed. Lots of people from all over the world want to become legal citizens here because the USA offers good things like scholarships, lots of jobs, good healthcare, and a chance for a better life.

Going to School and Getting a Good Job

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With a Green Card, going to college and getting a good job becomes much easier. You can go to great schools and study things like engineering, medicine, or technology. And when you graduate, you’ll have better chances of getting a job in those fields.

Starting a Career and Making Money

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People come to the USA to work for big companies or to start their own businesses. With a Green Card, you can apply for any job you want, just like Americans do. Having this card shows that you’re allowed to work here legally, so employers are more likely to hire you.

Being Your Own Boss and Starting a Business

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Lots of people dream of starting their own businesses, like restaurants or fashion stores. With a Green Card, you can do that. You’ll have all the legal stuff you need to open a business and make your dreams come true.

Finding a Home and Building a New Life

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In the USA, there are lots of different places to live, from big cities to small towns. With a Green Card, it’s easier to rent or buy a house because landlords and sellers know you’re allowed to be here. So, you can settle down and start your new life with confidence.

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People Also Ask

How do I get a green card for the USA?

There are several ways to qualify for a green card, but the most common categories are:

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  • Family-based immigration: This is the most common way for people to get a green card. You can petition for a green card if you have a spouse, parent, child, or sibling who is a U.S. citizen or green card holder.
  • Employment-based immigration: If you have a job offer from a U.S. employer, your employer may petition for you to get a green card. There are several different categories for employment-based green cards, depending on your skills and experience.
  • Investment immigration: If you are willing to invest a significant amount of money in a U.S. business, you may be eligible for a green card through the EB-5 program.
  • The Diversity Visa Lottery: Every year, the United States holds a lottery to award a limited number of green cards to foreign nationals from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States.

You can find more information about how to apply for a green card on the USCIS website: https://www.uscis.gov/green-card

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How much is a green card for USA?

The cost of a green card can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case, but it typically includes several fees, such as the application fee, the biometric services fee, and the issuance fee. The total cost can range from around $1,000 to several thousand dollars.

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How many years do you need to be in the USA to get a green card?

There is no specific number of years you need to be in the USA to get a green card. The processing time for a green card application can vary depending on the category you are applying under, your current location, and the workload of USCIS. However, it can generally take several months to several years to complete the green card application process.

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Who pays for the green card?

The applicant is generally responsible for paying the fees associated with applying for a green card. However, there may be some cases where an employer or family member may be willing to help with the costs.

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How long does a green card last?

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A green card is generally valid for 10 years, but it can be renewed indefinitely as long as you continue to meet the eligibility requirements.

Who qualifies for a green card?

There are several categories of people who may be eligible for a green card, including:

  • Immediate relatives of U.S. citizens (such as spouses, parents, and unmarried children under the age of 21)
  • Adult children of U.S. citizens
  • Married children of U.S. citizens
  • Siblings of U.S. citizens (if the U.S. citizen is at least 21 years old)
  • Certain employment-based immigrants
  • Investors
  • Winners of the Diversity Visa Lottery

You can find more information about who qualifies for a green card on the USCIS website: https://www.uscis.gov/green-card

What benefits do I get with a green card?

Green card holders have many of the same rights and benefits as U.S. citizens, including the ability to:

  • Live and work permanently in the United States
  • Travel freely within the United States
  • Apply for a U.S. passport after meeting certain eligibility requirements
  • Sponsor certain family members for green cards
  • Receive federal student loans and grants (after meeting certain eligibility requirements)
  • Own property
  • Apply for certain government benefits (such as Social Security and Medicare)

However, green card holders cannot vote in federal elections or hold certain government jobs that require U.S. citizenship.

It is important to note that this is just a general overview of green cards in the United States. The specific requirements and procedures for obtaining a green card can vary depending on your individual circumstances. If you are considering applying for a green card, it is best to consult with an immigration attorney to discuss your options.

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