A-Z Immigration Terms
Immigration law has its own specialized vocabulary. This glossary defines the most commonly used terms in U.S. immigration law and practice.
A
Adjustment of Status (AOS): The process of applying for lawful permanent resident status (a green card) while physically present in the United States, without having to return to your home country for an immigrant visa interview. Filed on Form I-485.
Advance Parole: A travel document that allows certain immigrants with pending applications to travel outside the U.S. and return without abandoning their application. Filed on Form I-131.
Affidavit of Support: A legally binding contract (Form I-864) in which a sponsor agrees to financially support an immigrant at 125% of the federal poverty level.
Asylum: A form of protection allowing individuals in the U.S. to remain if they have suffered persecution or fear future persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group.
B
BIA (Board of Immigration Appeals): The highest administrative appellate body for immigration cases, part of the Department of Justice. Reviews decisions of immigration judges.
Biometrics: Fingerprints, photographs, and signature collected by USCIS at Application Support Centers for background checks.
C
CBP (Customs and Border Protection): The DHS agency responsible for border security, including inspection of travelers at ports of entry and Border Patrol operations.
Consular Processing: The process of applying for an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad, as an alternative to adjustment of status.
Credible Fear: The standard applied in expedited removal proceedings. An individual must demonstrate a significant possibility of establishing eligibility for asylum to avoid immediate removal.
D
DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals): A federal policy providing temporary deportation protection and work authorization to certain individuals brought to the U.S. as children.
DHS (Department of Homeland Security): The cabinet department that oversees USCIS, ICE, and CBP.
E
EAD (Employment Authorization Document): A work permit issued by USCIS authorizing a noncitizen to work in the United States.
EOIR (Executive Office for Immigration Review): The DOJ component that operates the immigration court system and the BIA.
Expedited Removal: A process allowing immigration officers to order removal without a hearing before a judge for certain individuals.
I
ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement): The DHS agency responsible for interior immigration enforcement, including investigations, detention, and removal operations.
INA (Immigration and Nationality Act): The primary federal statute governing immigration law in the United States, codified at 8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.
L
LCA (Labor Condition Application): A form filed by employers with the Department of Labor as part of the H-1B petition process, certifying wage and working conditions.
LPR (Lawful Permanent Resident): A noncitizen who has been granted authorization to live and work permanently in the United States. Also known as a green card holder.
N
NTA (Notice to Appear): The charging document filed by DHS to initiate removal proceedings in immigration court.
NVC (National Visa Center): The State Department center that processes immigrant visa cases after USCIS petition approval and before consular interview scheduling.
Naturalization: The legal process by which a foreign national becomes a U.S. citizen.
P
PERM (Program Electronic Review Management): The Department of Labor system for processing labor certification applications, required for most EB-2 and EB-3 green cards.
Priority Date: The date that establishes an immigrant’s place in the visa queue. For family cases, it is the I-130 filing date. For employment cases, it is typically the PERM filing date.
Public Charge: A ground of inadmissibility based on the likelihood that an individual will become primarily dependent on government assistance.
R
RFE (Request for Evidence): A notice from USCIS requesting additional documentation or information before making a decision on a petition or application.
Removal: The formal term for deportation — the process of expelling a noncitizen from the United States.
T
TEA (Targeted Employment Area): A geographic area qualifying for reduced EB-5 investment requirements due to high unemployment or rural location.
TPS (Temporary Protected Status): A temporary immigration status granted to nationals of designated countries experiencing armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions.
V
Visa Bulletin: A monthly publication by the Department of State showing visa availability for each preference category and country of chargeability.
Voluntary Departure: Permission to leave the U.S. at your own expense within a specified period, avoiding a formal removal order.