Immigration Glossary Terms

This is a procedure allowing certain aliens already in the United States to apply for immigrant status. Aliens admitted to the United States in a nonimmigrant, refugee, or parolee category may have their status changed to that of lawful permanent resident if they are eligible to receive an immigrant visa and one is immediately available. In such cases, the alien is counted as an immigrant as of the date of adjustment, even though the alien may have been in the United States for an extended period of time.

Any person who is not a citizen or national of the United States. An illegal alien is someone who enters the United States illegally, or who violates the terms of their admission to the United States by working without authorization or by overstaying. A nonimmigrant alien is someone who enters the U.S. lawfully for a temporary purpose. An immigrant alien, also known as a Green Card holder, is someone who is admitted to the United States as a lawful permanent resident and who intends to stay in the U.S. permanently.