Table of Contents
- Understanding Immigration Law Jargon: A Glossary of Common Terms
- A
- Adjustment of Status (AOS)
- B
- Biometric Services Appointment
- C
- Consular Processing
- Conditional Permanent Resident
- D
- Deportation
- DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)
- E
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
- Expedited Removal
- F
- Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
- G
- Green Card
- H
- H-1B Visa
- I
- Immigrant Visa
- Inadmissibility
- L
- Labor Certification (PERM)
- Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR)
- N
- Naturalization
- P
- Priority Date
- R
- Refugee
- Removal Proceedings
- T
- Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
- U
- USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services)
- V
- Visa Bulletin
- W
- Waiver of Inadmissibility
- Conclusion: Speak Immigration Law with Confidence
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Navigating immigration law can be overwhelming, especially with the complex jargon that accompanies it. This glossary of common immigration terms aims to clarify key concepts, empowering you to engage confidently with an attorney near you as you navigate your immigration journey.
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Discover essential immigration law jargon with our comprehensive glossary, designed to empower you during your immigration journey. From green cards to DACA, understand key terms and find the right attorney near you for personalized guidance and support.
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Feb 25, 2025 08:44 PM
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Understanding Immigration Law Jargon: A Glossary of Common Terms
Navigating immigration law can be daunting, especially when faced with unfamiliar legal terminology. Whether you’re applying for a visa, seeking a green card, or defending against deportation, understanding key terms is essential. This glossary breaks down the most common immigration-related jargon to help you stay informed and confident throughout your immigration journey.
💡 For every post in this series, scroll down to “Related Posts.”
A
Adjustment of Status (AOS)
The process of applying for lawful permanent resident (green card) status while staying in the U.S. This allows an eligible applicant to change their nonimmigrant status (e.g., from a student visa) to permanent resident without leaving the country.
B
Biometric Services Appointment
An appointment at a USCIS office where applicants provide fingerprints, photographs, and signatures for background checks. This step is required for most immigration applications.
C
Consular Processing
The process of applying for a visa or green card through a U.S. embassy or consulate outside the U.S. Applicants attend interviews and submit documents to the consular officer.
Conditional Permanent Resident
A green card holder whose residency is subject to conditions, typically related to marriage or investments. Conditional residents must file to remove these conditions within two years of obtaining status.
D
Deportation
The legal process of removing a noncitizen from the U.S. due to violations of immigration law, such as overstaying a visa or committing certain crimes. Deportation is now referred to as "removal" in official terms.
DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)
A program that allows individuals brought to the U.S. as children to request protection from deportation and work authorization, provided they meet specific eligibility requirements.
E
Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
A work permit that allows noncitizens to legally work in the U.S. It is often issued to individuals on certain visas or with pending immigration cases.
Expedited Removal
A process that allows immigration officers to quickly remove individuals who arrive at the U.S. border without proper documentation or with fraudulent documents.
F
Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
A form filed by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to establish a qualifying family relationship with an immigrant relative seeking a green card.
G
Green Card
A slang term for a Permanent Resident Card, which grants noncitizens the right to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely. Green cards are obtained through family sponsorship, employment, asylum, or other means.
H
H-1B Visa
A nonimmigrant visa that allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher, such as IT, engineering, or finance.
I
Immigrant Visa
A visa issued to individuals seeking to live permanently in the U.S. Unlike nonimmigrant visas, these lead to permanent resident status.
Inadmissibility
A legal term describing a noncitizen who is not allowed to enter the U.S. due to specific grounds, such as health issues, criminal history, or previous immigration violations.
L
Labor Certification (PERM)
A process in which a U.S. employer must demonstrate that no qualified U.S. workers are available for the position being offered to a foreign national. Required for most employment-based green cards.
Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR)
A noncitizen authorized to live and work in the U.S. indefinitely. LPRs hold green cards and may eventually apply for U.S. citizenship.
N
Naturalization
The process by which a lawful permanent resident becomes a U.S. citizen. Applicants must meet eligibility criteria, including residency duration, English proficiency, and knowledge of U.S. history and government.
P
Priority Date
The date USCIS receives a petition for an immigrant visa or green card. This date determines the applicant's place in line when visas are limited by annual quotas.
R
Refugee
An individual who has been forced to flee their home country due to persecution or fear of persecution based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Refugees apply for protection outside the U.S.
Removal Proceedings
The formal legal process for determining whether a noncitizen should be deported from the U.S.
T
Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
A status granted to individuals from countries experiencing ongoing armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions. TPS allows temporary work and residence in the U.S.
U
USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services)
The government agency responsible for processing immigration applications, such as green cards, work permits, and naturalization.
V
Visa Bulletin
A monthly publication by the U.S. Department of State showing which green card applications can move forward based on their priority date and visa category.
W
Waiver of Inadmissibility
A request submitted to USCIS or an immigration judge to forgive certain grounds of inadmissibility, allowing the applicant to enter or remain in the U.S.
Conclusion: Speak Immigration Law with Confidence
Understanding immigration law jargon can make the process far less intimidating. This glossary equips you with the knowledge to navigate forms, applications, and conversations with confidence.
For personalized guidance and assistance, let ReferU.AI connect you with a trusted immigration attorney near you. Our platform uses AI to match you with attorneys who specialize in cases like yours, ensuring you receive expert advice every step of the way. Don't let complicated terms hold you back—start your journey today!
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