Immigration is a common topic in the United States. However, many people feel confused by the legal terms and acronyms. You might be helping a friend with their visa, watching the news, or figuring out your own options. No matter why you’re here, it’s normal to have questions.
This glossary explains the most common immigration words in plain language. There is no legal wording or hidden meanings. You will find clear and simple definitions to help you understand how immigration works in the U.S. and what it means for the people involved in the rules.
Glossary of U.S. Immigration Terms
Green Card
What it means: A Green Card shows that someone is a legal resident of the United States. It allows them to live and work here for a long time. Most people receive one through family, work, special protection, or the Visa lottery. A Green Card is also an important step in applying for U.S. citizenship.
Why it matters: A Green Card provides long-term safety, but it also comes with tasks, like renewing it and not being outside the U.S. for too long.
Learn more: USCIS Green Card Information
Visa
What it means: A visa lets you enter the United States for a certain reason and time. There are many types of visas, like visitor visas, student visas, and work visas. Some are for a short time, and others can help you get a Green Card.
Why it matters: Most people who move to the U.S. begin their journey with a visa. It tells them how long they can stay and what activities they can do during their visit.
Learn More: U.S. Department of State Visa Categories
Undocumented Immigrant
What it means: This means a person living in the U.S. without the proper legal status. They may have come without permission or stayed after their visa ended.
Why it matters: Undocumented immigrants live, work, and raise families in the U.S. However, they often deal with legal problems and have limited help from public services.
Learn more: American Immigration Council – Fact Sheet on Undocumented Immigrants
DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)
What it means: DACA is a program that protects some young people who came to the U.S. as kids without legal status. It does not provide citizenship. However, it lets them live and work in the U.S. without worrying about being deported, at least for now.
Why it matters: People in DACA, often known as Dreamers, help their communities all over the U.S. But they still face uncertainty depending on political and court decisions.
Learn more: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services – DACA
ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement)
What it means: ICE is the federal agency in charge of enforcing immigration laws in the U.S. This means it can hold and remove people who are in the country without permission.
Why it matters: ICE is important for how immigration laws are carried out. Its rules and actions greatly affect immigrant communities.
Learn more: ICE Official Website
USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services)
What it means: This is the government office that takes care of immigration paperwork. This includes applications for visas, Green Cards, citizenship, and other types of legal status.
Why it matters: If you or someone you know is applying for lawful status in the U.S., you will work with USCIS.
Learn more: USCIS Homepage
Public Charge Rule
What it means: This rule checks if a person applying for a visa or Green Card will need help from public aid like Medicaid or food stamps. If they will, their application could be refused.
Why it matters: The rule has caused worry and confusion for people who can get some benefits but are scared it will hurt their chances to stay in the U.S.
Learn more: Protecting Families – Public Aid Center
Asylum
What it means: Asylum helps people in the U.S. who are scared to go back home because they fear harm. This harm could be due to race, beliefs, country of origin, views, or belonging to a certain group.
Why it matters: A lot of people ask for asylum to get away from violence, unfair treatment, or danger to their lives. If granted, asylum lets them stay and later ask for a stable living situation in the U.S.
Learn more: USCIS – Asylum Information
Refugee
What it means: Refugees ask for help from outside the United States, often through the U.N. or a U.S. embassy, before coming here. Like those asking for asylum, they need to show that they are running from harm.
Why it matters: Being recognized as a refugee offers a safe way for people escaping conflict or danger. Once they arrive, refugees can be settled in the U.S. and can apply for a Green Card after one year.
Learn more: U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (State Dept.)
H-1B Visa
What it means: The H-1B is a work visa for people in specific jobs like tech, health, and engineering. Employers apply for it for the worker. It has a yearly limit and uses a lottery system.
Why it matters: A lot of international workers come to the U.S. on H-1Bs. This often helps them to stay long-term. However, the process is tough and has many uncertainties.
Learn more: USCIS – H-1B Specialty Occupations
TPS (Temporary Protected Status)
What it means: TPS stands for Temporary Protected Status. It is for people from countries experiencing war, natural disasters, or other problems. This status lets them live and work in the U.S. for a certain amount of time. However, it does not give them a Green Card right away.
Why it matters: This status is important because it can save lives, but it is not permanent. It may change based on what the government decides.
Learn more: USCIS – Temporary Protected Status
Family Sponsorship
What it means: U.S. citizens and Green Card holders can apply to bring some family members to live in the U.S. This process may take months or even years. It depends on the family relationship and the availability of visas.
Why it matters: Family sponsorship is a common way people move to the U.S. However, it can be difficult, costly, and take a long time.
Learn more: USCIS – Family-Based Immigration
Naturalization
What it means: Naturalization is how you become a U.S. citizen after having a Green Card for several years. To qualify, you must follow residency rules, pass a civics and English test, and complete an interview.
Why it matters: When you become a citizen, you gain full rights, such as voting and holding a U.S. passport. This also gives you long-term security that a Green Card cannot give.
Learn more: USCIS – Naturalization Eligibility
Adjustment of Status
What it means: This is how a person already in the U.S. can apply for a Green Card without going back home. It is used for family, job, and other cases.
Why it matters: Changing your status can be quicker and easier than applying from another country, but not everyone is eligible.
Learn more: USCIS – Changing Status
Consular Processing
What it means: If you are outside the U.S., you request a visa or Green Card at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your country. This is called consular processing.
Why it matters: It is the main way for most people applying from other countries. Missing papers or long waits at consulates can make the process slower.
Learn more: USCIS – Consular Processing
Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
What it means: This form is the first step in helping a family member get a Green Card. It shows that there is a real family connection between you and the person you want to sponsor.
Why it matters: Without this form, your family member cannot begin the Green Card process. It is important for family immigration.
Learn more: USCIS – Form I-130
Form I-485 (Application to Register for a Green Card or Change Status)
What it means: This is the form a person uses to apply for a Green Card while they are in the U.S. It is usually sent in after an I-130 gets approved. This is part of the adjustment of status process.
Why it matters: This form needs detailed background information. It is one of the key steps to becoming a lawful resident.
Learn more: USCIS – Form I-485
More Immigration Resources
- American Immigration Council: Provides research, policy updates, and helpful explainers for anyone trying to understand how the U.S. immigration system really works. Visit site
- Immigration Advocates Network – National Immigration Legal Services Directory: Find free or low-cost immigration legal help near you by searching by ZIP code. Visit directory
- Boundless Immigration Learning Center: Breaks down complex immigration processes like green card applications, visa categories, and timelines in a visual, step-by-step format. Visit site
- United We Dream: A youth-led immigrant advocacy group offering toolkits, DACA updates, mental health resources, and community organizing support. Visit site
- National Immigration Law Center (NILC): Focused on defending and advancing the rights of low-income immigrants through advocacy, litigation, and policy work. Visit site
- USA.gov – Immigration and Citizenship: An official government portal that connects you to trusted information across USCIS, the State Department, and more. View site.