Home » Immigration Attorneys In The United States » Immigration Legal Glossary

Immigrant: In general, this term refers to aliens living in the United States and is used synonymously with legal permanent residency. Any present alien in the United States who is not in a specified class of nonimmigrant aliens, like a student or temporary visitor, is considered to be a legal alien under this definition.

‍Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR): An immigrant given permission to live in the United States based on job qualifications or family ties is known as an LPR. Once arriving in the country, lawful permanent residents may apply for immigrant visas through the Department of State overseas or change their status to LPR with the INS. Lawful permanent residents typically have “green cards” and are eligible to apply for citizenship after five years of residing in the United States.

Immigration Legal Glossary

Schedule a virtual consultation with an Attorney

670951036dc4aa3f6b88baaa_immigration law 2

Nonimmigrant: Nonimmigrants are people who are permitted to enter the country for a specific reason and for a short time, such as tourists, students, business visitors, diplomats, and people who work in specialized fields like seasonal agricultural workers or high tech workers.

Sponsors: As of December 19, 1997, immigrants who wish to reunite with their family in the United States must provide an affidavit of support (a legal document that agrees to financially assist the immigrant) from their sponsor(s). To be an eligible sponsor, a person must currently be a citizen, national or lawful permanent resident, age 18 or over, a resident of the 50 states or Washington D.C., and the petitioner for admission of the immigrant.

Naturalization: This is when a foreign-born person is considered a citizen of the United States. However, they must be at least 18 years old, demonstrate a basic knowledge of English as well as American government and history, have been a lawful permanent resident of the United States for 3-5 years, and demonstrate good moral character.

‍U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): A federal agency a part of the Department of Homeland Security that regulates lawful immigration to the United States. Some responsibilities include:

  • Providing employment authorization to qualified aliens
  • Issuing documentation of alien employment authorization
  • Maintaining Forms I-9 Giving the E-Verify employment eligibility verification program
670951036dc4aa3f6b88baab_U.S. Citizenship

Our Results

K+
Clients Helped
K+
Positive Reviews
670951036dc4aa3f6b88ba22_united-states-of-america

Nationwide Immigration Services

670951036dc4aa3f6b88bb6d_k1 visa and passport image (1)

Visa: A U.S. visa gives a person the opportunity to apply for entry into the U.S. under a certain type of classification, like a visitor (B), student (F), or temporary worker (H). Once applying, the bearer does not automatically qualify for entrance into the United States. The Department of State is in charge of visa adjudication at U.S Embassies and Consulates outside of the U.S.

‍Asylum: In order to avoid being removed from the country, an asylum application has to be submitted to an immigration judge during removal proceedings in immigration court. The Executive Office for Immigration Review includes immigration courts (EOIR).

Speak with an Immigration Lawyer Today

Our immigration lawyers are committed to providing legal support for individuals facing challenges. Whether you require legal representation, information on immigration procedures, or advice regarding detention matters, we’re here to address your concerns and provide solutions.

Contact our United States Immigration Law Firm today by calling or visiting our website to schedule a consultation with a Lafayette immigration lawyer. Let’s discuss your legal challenges, delve into the contributions of immigrants to Louisiana, and showcase our skills in handling immigration matters. Your journey to a new beginning begins here with Rozas Immigration.

670951036dc4aa3f6b88bbcf_Attorney-David-Rozas (1)

Frequently Asked Questions

Meet David Rozas - Your United States Immigration Attorney

Meet David, your trusted U.S. immigration attorney at Rozas Immigration, for dedicated assistance throughout your immigration process. With years of experience in U.S. immigration law, David provides personalized legal guidance tailored to your specific needs. Whether you need help with family-based petitions, employment visas, or green card applications, David’s thorough knowledge of immigration laws ensures your case is handled with care and professionalism.

Schedule a consultation below or call us at 225-341-6945 today to begin your journey with a reliable U.S. immigration attorney by your side.



670951036dc4aa3f6b88bbcf_Attorney-David-Rozas

Our Immigration Attorneys