Know the laws your rights
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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Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
A government agency created in 2003 to handle immigration and other security-related matters.
See Topic: Immigration & Green Cards
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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
A branch of the agency formerly known as the INS (Immigration and Naturalization Service), now reorganized under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). USCIS is primarily responsible for handli
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Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
See border patrol.
See Topic: Immigration & Green Cards
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status
Although the nonlegal, dictionary definition of this word refers to a person’s position, rank, or circumstances, it has a more specific legal definition under immigration law. It means the name of the visa category you’re assigned and the g
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consulate
U.S. consulates are branch offices of U.S. embassies that are located all over the world. Most consulates accept and process green card and visa applications.
See Topic: Immigration & Green Cards
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sponsor
See petitioner (immigration).
See Topic: Immigration & Green Cards
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alien registration receipt card (ARC)
The official name used in immigration law for a green card.
See Topic: Immigration & Green Cards
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removal
An immigration legal proceeding, also commonly known as “”deportation,”” that is conducted before an immigration judge to decide whether or not an immigrant will be allowed to enter or remain in the country. Generally speaking, a person who
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advance parole
In the immigration context, advance parole may be granted to a person who is already in the United States but needs to leave temporarily, without a visa. With advance parole, the applicant’s pending immigration application will not
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