Immigration terms, in plain language.

A-number

Alien Registration Number

A unique 7-to-9-digit number the government assigns to many people with an immigration case. It appears on USCIS documents and is used to locate your case.

Adjustment of status

Form I-485

The process to get permanent residence (a green card) from inside the United States, without leaving the country, when you are eligible.

Asylum

Protection for people who fear persecution in their country based on race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or social group. Generally applied for within one year of arrival.

Biometrics

The appointment where USCIS takes your fingerprints, photo, and signature to verify your identity and background.

Consular processing

The process to get an immigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate when you are outside the country.

DACA

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

A temporary protection from deportation, with a work permit, for certain people who arrived as children. It is not permanent residence.

EOIR

Executive Office for Immigration Review

The agency that runs the immigration courts and the roster of accredited representatives who can legally give advice.

Form G-325R

Alien registration

The online form for the alien registration requirement that took effect in 2025. Registering does not grant status.

Form I-130

Petition for Alien Relative

The petition a citizen or resident files to establish a family relationship. Approval alone does not grant the green card.

Green card (permanent residence)

The status that lets you live and work permanently in the U.S. It is a common step before citizenship.

Judicial warrant

A warrant signed by a judge. Unlike an administrative ICE warrant, it can require you to open the door if it has your correct name and address.

Naturalization

Form N-400

The process by which a permanent resident becomes a U.S. citizen, including the English and civics tests.

Notario fraud

When someone who is not a lawyer (a "notario" or consultant) gives legal advice or fills out forms. In the U.S. a notary public is not a lawyer and cannot advise you.

Parole

Temporary permission to enter or stay in the U.S. for humanitarian or public-benefit reasons. It is not a permanent status and can end.

Priority date

Your place in line for an immigrant visa. It determines when a visa is available based on the State Department Visa Bulletin.

Removal proceedings

The process before an immigration court where a judge decides whether a person should be deported. You have the right to seek a lawyer.

TPS

Temporary Protected Status

Temporary protection from deportation, with a work permit, for nationals of countries designated due to conflict or disaster. Each country has its own clock.

U visa

A visa for victims of certain crimes who cooperate with law enforcement. It can be an option for people without another clear path.

USCIS

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

The agency that processes most immigration benefit applications, such as green cards, work permits, and naturalization.

VAWA

Violence Against Women Act

A law that lets certain survivors of abuse by a citizen or resident relative petition on their own, without the abuser.

Voluntary departure

An agreement to leave the country on your own. Signing it gives up your right to see an immigration judge. Do not sign without legal advice.

Work permit (EAD)

Employment Authorization Document

The document that proves you can work legally in the U.S. It depends on an underlying category, such as pending asylum, DACA, or TPS.