Plymouth Immigration Attorney Gregory P. Sheehan created this page to translate some technical definitions in to regular language. Contact Attorney Sheehan for a free consultation.
This is just a starting place to learn what these titles mean in the eyes of United States;
“Alien”
In United States Immigration terms, an alien is someone with foreign sovereignty; someone from a foreign country. As long as that person is a citizen of another country, they are considered an alien; it could be someone visiting the US intending to return home, or someone who has been in the United States for some time earning residency credit toward citizenship but who is not yet a US citizen.
Example: Lawrence was born and raised in Canada. As long as he is a citizen of Canada or any other country not the United States, he is an alien.
“Non-Immigrant”
The term non-immigrant is a classification of alien. When you take the word apart, its a person who does not intend to immigrate to the United States. Some aliens must apply for permission to come to the US temporarily, and they will declare their purpose for traveling to the US and if they receive permission to do so, their presence will have limited rights. Common examples are visitors coming to see their family, students, and employees.
Example: Lawrence decides that he wants to travel to the United States to complete a four-year degree program, and then to return to his home country when he is finished. Lawrence will apply for a non-immigrant, student visa.
“Immigrant”
The United States has a specific definition of this term, while socially and conversationally it is usually used too broadly. An immigrant is an alien who intends to immigrate to America to eventually become a citizen. Their intention must be approved by the US before that person is formally recognized by our government as an Immigrant.
Example: Lawrence falls in love with a United States citizen and wants to live in the US permanently with his wife. He will apply for an Immigrant visa.
“Permanent Resident Alien”
This is the term for an alien who intends to Immigrate to the United States who has been approved to live in the United States and who is earning residency credit toward becoming a US citizen. This status is socially known as having a “Green Card,” simply because the Permanent Resident Alien cards used to be green. Think of this as the last step toward becoming a US citizen.
Example: Lawrence is married to a United States citizen and he wants to adjust his status to a Permanent Resident Alien so that he may someday become a citizen.
“Visa”
A visa is permission to come to the border of the United States and request admission. In some circumstances no formal visa application is required. When a visa is allocated, the alien receives specific permission and time guidelines.
Example: Lawrence decides that he wants to enter the United States with a Student’s Visa. After he completes the application successfully, he will come to the United States border and ask to be admitted. If he is admitted he will be restricted to certain activities and permissions that are consistent with the purpose of his student visa.
