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, 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
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.
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.
Learn More: U.S. Department of State Visa Categories
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.