Know the laws your rights
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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refugee
In the context of U.S. immigration law, people who have been allowed to live in the United States indefinitely to protect them from persecution in their home countries. Refugees get their status before coming to the U.S., while asylum seeker
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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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