Immigration
Terms and Definitions
Enclosed are
some common terms and abbreviations, used in immigration law and procedure. They can be
found in different materials - instructions for filing forms, guidance, books, etc.
§
DHS -
Department of
Homeland Security. INS' functions have been transferred to DHS
§
SSA-Social
security administration - after 9/11 in nexus with INS
§
RMV
- Registry of Motor Vehicle - after 9/11 in nexus with DHS
§
USC
– United States Citizen (native born or naturalized)
§
LPR
– Legal permanent resident (green card holder)–the dream of millions of people.
However, this status can be taken away
§
DOL
– Department of Labor
§
LCA-Labor
Condition Application
§
SESA-State
Employment Security Agency
§
DOT
– Dictionary of occupational titles
§
SVP
– Specific vocational preparation
§
EWI
– Entered without inspection-enter illegally (crossed the Mexican border, etc.)
§
NTA
– Notice to appear (in immigration court) – usually bad news.
Find immigration attorney
at once. Do not disregard – if you are not in court on the indicated date a
removal
order (order in absentia) can be issued
§
EAD
– employment authorization document, also called “work permit”. It is a
legal right to work, given to someone who has a pending application before INS
§
Political
Asylum
– relief from removal. Applicant is expected to prove that she/he suffered
persecution on account of race, religion, national origin, political opinion, membership
of social group and that has a credible fear of future persecution if forced to return
§
Undocumented
people
– people who are in US without legal permission. They either EWI or overstayed their
visas
§
Petitioner – person who is either USC or LPR
and petitions INS for an alien
§
Beneficiary
–
the alien who benefits from the petition
§
Adjustment
of Status
– Process by which persons with approved immigrant visa petition can obtain LPR
status if they are physically present in US
§
Consular
processing
- Process by which persons with approved immigrant visa petition can obtain LPR at a US
consulate abroad, outside the US
§
Naturalization – process by which a LPR
becomes a USC
Call someone who was once in your position and can understand you
better:
- The information you provide is confidential
- CALL: Attorney Vassil Nenkov (508) 822-8785
