Immigration Term Library
Immigrating to a new country can be as exciting as it is daunting. However, the terms you encounter may challenging and difficult to learn. Understanding these terms can help make your immigration journey easier and less confusing.
The legal experts at Scott D. Pollock & Associates, P.C. can help. Explore the glossary below of some of the most commonly used immigration terms.
A
Affidavit of Support
Also called an I-864, an Affidavit of Support is a legally binding document in which a family member or sponsor of a person seeking to immigrate to the United States ...
Learn MoreAlien
An alien is any person who is not yet a citizen of the United States. The U.S. government may classify an alien as “resident” or “nonresident.”
Learn MoreAlien Registration Number
Also called an A-number or Alien Number, this 7-9 digit number is assigned by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to a person who has filed visa or immigration ...
Learn MoreAsylum
Asylum offers protection and benefits to people entering the United States to escape persecution or violence in their country of origin. Refugees become asylees when they arrive at specific U.S. ...
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B
Beneficiary
An immigrant sponsored by a relative or employer is referred to as a beneficiary. Individuals named on immigration petitions or applications are called “principal beneficiaries.” Immediate family members of principal ...
Learn MoreBiometrics
Biometrics is the process the government uses to verify a person’s identity. Required metrics are usually collected at a biometrics appointment and include photos, fingerprints, and a signature.
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C
Citizenship
Citizenship is the status of being a national of a particular country. The U.S. government grants citizenship at birth, through a parent at a later date, or through the process ...
Learn MoreConsular Process
Applying for a green card from outside the United States is called Consular Processing. The process involves two government entities: The National Visa Center and a Department of State Consular ...
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D
DACA
DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) is a program protecting the children of undocumented immigrants from deportation, allowing them to stay in the United States and seek education and employment. ...
Learn MoreDeferred Action
Immigration courts use deferred action on a case-by-case basis to allow non-citizens to stay in the United States for a set period of time. DACA is an example of deferred ...
Learn MoreDepartment of Homeland Security
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is an arm of the executive branch of the U.S. government responsible for keeping America safe. USCIS and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) both ...
Learn MoreDeportation
Deportation is the process of removing a noncitizen from the United States. The United States deports non-citizens who commit criminal acts or otherwise violate immigration law. Deportation rulings can be ...
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E
EAD (Employment Authorization Document)
An EAD (Form I-766) is an employment authorization document that certain nonimmigrant visa holders must have to be eligible to work in the United States. Your EAD is valid for ...
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G
Green Card
A green card is a physical card issued to legal permanent residents of the United States. Also known as a Permanent Resident Card, Form I-551, or alien registration card, a ...
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I
Immigrant Visa
An immigrant visa is for individuals who plan to live and work permanently in the U.S. These visas are also known as green cards. Green card holders also have the ...
Learn MoreImmigration Court
An immigration court hearing is a civil administrative proceeding that determines whether a foreign-born individual has violated immigration laws, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security. An immigration judge ...
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L
Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR)
A lawful permanent resident is an individual who has successfully obtained a green card. This status allowed an LPR to live and work indefinitely in the United States. A green ...
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M
Migrant
A migrant is an individual who leaves their native land to pursue residence in a different country.
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N
Naturalization
Naturalization is the process a lawful permanent resident goes through to become a citizen of the U.S. There are multiple steps a person must complete to obtain citizenship through naturalization: ...
Learn MoreNon-Immigrant Visa
A non-immigrant visa allows its bearer to apply to enter the United States for a specific purpose and for a set amount of time. After the visa is approved, a ...
Learn MoreNot-Qualified Alien
A not-qualified alien refers to an individual who is not eligible to receive certain federal benefits such as welfare despite (in some cases) legally residing in the country. Qualified aliens ...
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P
Processing Times
Processing time is an estimate of the time required to process your immigration documents. Each case is unique, and processing times can vary greatly depending on the specifics of your ...
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R
Re-entry Permit
A green card re-entry permit is a travel document issued by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that allows permanent or conditional residents of the United States to return ...
Learn MoreRemoval Proceedings
Removal proceedings are hearings to determine whether an immigrant can remain in the country. The government may initiate proceedings if they believe the respondent doesn’t have valid immigration status or ...
Learn MoreResettlement
Resettlement refers to the relocation of a refugee to a location outside their native country, intending to establish permanent residence.
Learn MoreResident Alien
A resident alien is a person who resides legally in the United States but has not yet become a citizen.
Learn MoreReturning Resident
A returning resident is a permanent U.S. resident who has spent time out of the country but has returned to reside in the United States again.
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S
Safe Haven
Safe haven is a temporary refuge provided to a migrant fleeing persecution, violence, and other dangers in their country of origin until they can safely return to their country or ...
Learn MoreSponsor
A sponsor is a person willing to take on the financial responsibility for an immigrant, helping them establish permanent residency. Sponsors can refer to a family member or place of ...
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T
Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a temporary immigration status granted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to nationals of certain countries due to conditions that temporarily prevent its citizens ...
Learn MoreTemporary Resident
A temporary resident is a non-U.S. citizen granted the right to stay in the U.S. for a specific period of time. Temporary residents are granted this status for a specific ...
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U
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Customs and Border Protection (CBP), an agency of the Department of Homeland Security, is responsible for securing United States borders. CBP works to prevent the illegal entry of people and ...
Learn MoreU.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is the investigative branch of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. ICE is responsible for immigration, customs, trade, and border control.
Learn MoreUnlawful Presence
Unlawful presence occurs when a person is in the United States without being admitted or paroled or when a person is in the United States after the expiration of the ...
Learn MoreUSCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services)
USCIS is a government agency that manages legal immigration to the United States. Part of the Department of Homeland Security, USCIS provides various services, including citizenship, immigration, verifying legal right ...
Learn MoreUSCIS Number
A USCIS Number, also known as an Alien Registration Number (A-number) or Alien Number, is a unique 7-, 8-, or 9-digit number assigned to a noncitizen by the Department of ...
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