Immigration Legal Glossary

Find simple explanations of the most used terms in immigration processes and laws in the United States.

Legal language can be confusing, especially when it comes to immigration. This glossary was created to help you understand key concepts that may appear in your immigration process, documents, or news about immigration policies.

Each term is explained simply and with basic legal context, so you can understand its application without needing legal knowledge.

Featured terms

Some concepts you should know:

Status adjustment:

Process by which a person applies for permanent residency without leaving the United States.

Humanitarian Visa:

Permit granted to victims of crime, abuse, or human trafficking who cooperate with the authorities.

Pardon I-601A:

Application that allows forgiveness of illegal presence before leaving the country for a consular interview.

Asylum:

Legal protection granted to people who fear persecution in their country of origin.

Deportation:

A cause that makes a foreigner already in the U.S. liable to be placed in Removal proceedings for violating the law or their status.

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