Alien
Under immigration law, any
person who is not a citizen or national of the United States. Even a person who is a lawful permanent
resident is considered an “alien” until her she becomes a U.S. citizen
and, as such, is still subject to the immigration laws – including all the
grounds for removal.
Non-immigrant
Alien can enter the U.S. legally
for a temporary period or permanently (immigrant).
Legal permanent resident
An immigrant
alien in lawful immigration status (i.e. has a green card).
Illegal aliens
Aliens who enter
without proper documentation, or who violate their visas.
Illegal undocumented aliens
Those who
enter without any visa. Illegal aliens
have no lawful immigration status.
U.S. Citizenship &
Immigration Services (USCIS)
SIJ petitions are now processed by USCIS, which
handles all the paperwork for aliens obtaining legal status either through
temporary visas or permanent visas (green cards).
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