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Glossary of Immigration Law Terms
Accompanying relative. Immediate
relatives (usually your spouse and children under age twenty-one who will
be entering the United States at the same time that you do) who are
eligible to receive the same immigration benefits as you based on your
application.
Alien Registration Receipt Card.
The formal name for a "green card."
Application. Specific forms and
accompanying documents that request a green card or a visa.
Asylee. A foreign national who has
been given permission to reside in the United States to avoid persecution
in a home country. An asylee obtains his or her status after entering the
United States.
Bona fides of a marriage.
Documentation proving that a marriage is not entered into for immigration
purposes.
Deportation. When an immigrant is
forced to leave the United States as a result of a court proceeding.
Directorate of Border and Transportation
Security (BTS). The U.S. government agency that in 2003 took over
responsibility for the immigration enforcement functions that used to be
handled by the INS. The BTS is part of the Department of Homeland
Security. Enforcement functions within the BTS are divided between two
bureaus: the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (USICE), and U.S.
Customs and Border Protection (USCBP).
Diversity Program. The "green card
lottery". A yearly lottery program designed to assure that immigrants come
from a diversity of backgrounds.
Green card. The popular name for
the Alien Registration Receipt Card. The card (which is not really green)
is given to foreign nationals who are legal permanent residents.
I-94. A small card given to a
non-immigrant upon entry to the United States. It proves lawful entry to
the United States. The expiration date on the I-94 determines the amount
of time a foreign national may legally stay here.
Inadmissible (formerly
Excludable). The immigration laws deem certain individuals
"inadmissible" and thus prohibited from obtaining visas or green cards.
Inadmissibility arises from prior criminal records, subversive activities,
inability to support oneself, and various other circumstances.
INS (Immigration and Naturalization
Service). The U.S. government agency that formerly had
responsibility for matters concerning foreign nationals in the United
States. In 2003 INS ceased to exist. The INS' functions were transferred
to the new Department of Homeland Security. Within the Department of
Homeland Security, the immigration service functions that were formerly
handled by the INS were taken over by the new U.S. Citizenship and
Immigration Services (USCIS). Immigration enforcement functions that used
to be handled by the INS were transferred to the new Directorate of Border
and Transportation Security.
National Visa Center. A private
company under contract with the Department of State that receives approved
green card petitions and green card lottery registrations.
Naturalization. The legal process
of becoming a U.S. citizen. Once naturalized, an individual has the same
rights as a U.S. citizen who was born in the United States.
Non-immigrant visa. A visa
obtained by a person who wishes to enter the United States for a
particular purpose, but does not intend to permanently reside in the
United States.
Permanent resident. A foreign
national who has been granted permission to live permanently in the United
States. Permanent residents are given green cards and are allowed to work
in and travel in and out of the United States.
Petition. Immigration forms and
accompanying documents that request recognition of your eligibility for
permanent residence or some types of non-immigrant visas.
Public charge. Your status when
the state assumes primary responsibility for your support. Being deemed a
public charge can result in the loss of your green card.
Quota. Each year there are only a
certain number of green cards available for particular categories of
applicants. A greater number of applicants than the number of green cards
available has created backlogs.
Refugee. A foreign national who
has been given permission to reside in the United States to avoid
persecution in a home country. A refugee obtains his or her status prior
to entering the United States.
Registration. What you file when
you are applying for a spot in the green card lottery.
Sham marriage. A marriage entered
into for immigration purposes.
Special Registration. A procedure,
applicable to noncitizens from certain designated countries and to other
noncitizens deemed by consular officers to require closer monitoring,
under which the noncitizens must be fingerprinted and photographed at U.S.
ports of entry and must make subsequent reports to the U.S. government at
certain specified times and upon certain events, such as changes of
address, employment or school.
Status. The privileges you receive
with your immigration benefits either as an immigrant or non-immigrant.
For example, your status as a green card holder is that of a legal
permanent resident.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
(USCIS). The U.S. government agency that in 2003 took over
responsibility for the immigration service functions that used to be
performed by the Immigration and Naturalization Service. USCIS is part of
the new Department of Homeland Security.
U.S. consulates. Branch offices of
U.S. embassies. Most consulates process immigrant and non-immigrant visa
applications.
U.S. embassies. Worldwide U.S.
State Department offices that represent the United States in foreign
countries. Embassies process immigrant and non-immigrant visa
applications.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
(USICE). The U.S. government agency that in 2003 took over
responsibility for the enforcement and investigative functions that used
to be performed by the INS, the Customs Service, and the Federal
Protective Service. USICE is part of the Department of Homeland Security
Directorate of Border and Transportation Security.
Visa. A stamp placed in your
passport at a U.S. embassy or consulate that allows you to enter the
United States.
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