Know the laws your rights
priority date
The date on which a petition for immigration is first filed. This priority date marks the immigrant’s place in the green card waiting list. Each month the U.S. Department of State makes green cards available to all those who applied
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preference relative
An immigration term, preference relatives means the married children of U.S. citizens, children over 21 of U.S. citizens, the spouses or children of green card holders, and brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens where the U.S. c
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petitioner
Someone who initiates an action requesting something; for example, someone who starts a lawsuit or petitions a higher court on appeal. In immigration law, a petitioner is a U.S. resident or business who makes a formal request that a for
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INS
See Immigration and Naturalization Service.
See Topic: Immigration & Green Cards
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Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS)
Formerly, the federal agency in the Department of Justice that administered and enforced immigration and naturalization laws. In 2003, however, the INS officially ceased to exist, and its functions were
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Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
This agency of the Department of Homeland Security handles enforcement of the immigration laws within the U.S. borders; for example, by going to workplaces and checking for undocumented workers.
See T
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immigrant visa
A type of U.S. visa issued to those who qualify for green cards. An immigrant visa enables the holder to enter the United States, take up permanent residence and receive his or her green card.
See Topic: Immigration & Green Cards
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immediate relative
Although the common meaning of this is a close family relation, it has a more specific meaning in immigration law. Immediate relatives are a category of prospective immigrants, who include a U.S. citizen’s spouse, minor children
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Department of State (DOS)
A U.S. department that operates U.S. embassies and consulates. Generally, the DOS determines who is entitled to a visa or green card when an application is filed outside the United States. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration
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