Know the laws your rights
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
Continue reading “immediate relative”
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
Continue reading “Department of State DOS”
Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
A government agency created in 2003 to handle immigration and other security-related matters.
See Topic: Immigration & Green Cards
Continue reading “Department of Homeland Security DHS”
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
Continue reading “U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services USCIS”
Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
See border patrol.
See Topic: Immigration & Green Cards
Continue reading “Customs and Border Protection CBP”
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
Continue reading “status”
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
Continue reading “consulate”
sponsor
See petitioner (immigration).
See Topic: Immigration & Green Cards
Continue reading “sponsor”
alien registration receipt card (ARC)
The official name used in immigration law for a green card.
See Topic: Immigration & Green Cards
Continue reading “alien registration receipt card ARC”