Understanding immigration
A simple guide to understanding the U.S. immigration system.
Immigration can be confusing, especially when you’re seeing complicated words, forms, and legal terms everywhere! This page breaks down some of the basics in simple language so you can better understand your situation and know where to look for reliable help.
Important: This website provides educational information and resources, not legal advice. Immigration situations are different for everyone. If you need advice about your specific situation, talk to a qualified immigration attorney or accredited representative.
Common Immigration Terms and meanings :)
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A person who has permission to permanently live and work in the United States.
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The process through which an eligible noncitizen becomes a U.S. citizen.
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Protection that may be available to people who are unable or unwilling to return to their home country because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution based on certain protected grounds.
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A federal policy that has provided certain eligible people who came to the U.S. as children with temporary protection from deportation and work authorization. Rules surrounding DACA can change, so always check current information.
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A person who is outside their country and has been recognized as needing protection because of persecution or a well-founded fear of persecution based on certain protected grounds.
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The legal process through which the U.S. government may seek to remove a noncitizen from the United States.
How Does Someone Get Immigration Status?
There isn't one path that applies to everyone, some common pathways include,
:Family-Based Immigration
Certain relatives who are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents may be able to petition for eligible family members.
Employment-Based Immigration
Some people may qualify for immigration benefits through employment or specialized skills.
Humanitarian Protection
Certain people may qualify for protections such as asylum or refugee status.
Student & Temporary Visas
Some people come to the United States temporarily to study, work, visit, or participate in specific programs.
Citizenship & Naturalization
Some lawful permanent residents may eventually qualify to apply for U.S. citizenship.
Immigration Basics
What is immigration status?
Immigration status describes the legal category a person has in the United States. A person's status can affect where they can live, work, study, and what protections or options may be available to them.
What is a visa?
A visa is a document that allows someone to travel to a U.S. port of entry and request admission for a particular purpose, such as studying, visiting, or working. A visa does not automatically guarantee entry into the United States.
What is a green card?
A green card allows someone to live and work permanently in the United States. A person with a green card is generally called a lawful permanent resident (LPR).
What is citizenship?
U.S. citizenship gives a person additional rights and responsibilities, including the ability to vote in federal elections and obtain a U.S. passport. Some people are citizens from birth, while others become citizens through naturalization.
What If I Don't Know My Status?
You don't have to figure everything out by yourself don’t worry!!!
Immigration law can be complicated, and using the wrong information can have serious consequences. If you're unsure about your status or options, don't rely on social media or advice from strangers online.
Instead, start with a qualified immigration attorney or accredited legal representative.
[Find Legal Help →]
Where Can I Learn More?
USCIS
Official U.S. government information about immigration, green cards, citizenship, applications, and more.
[Visit USCIS →]
U.S. Department of State
Learn about visas, travel, and immigration processes for people applying from outside the U.S.
[Visit Travel.State.gov →]
Northwest Immigrant Rights Project
Free and low-cost immigration legal services and information for people in Washington.
[Visit NWIRP →]
American Immigration Lawyers Association
Find immigration attorneys and learn more about immigration law.
[Find an Attorney →]
USCIS Citizenship Resource Center
Resources for people learning about the naturalization and citizenship process.
[Learn About Citizenship →]