A sworn promise or a statement of fact signed in front of a formal witness such as a notary. All adjustment of status applicants are required to submit an Affidavit of Support executed by their petitioning family member.
A diplomatic official posted in a foreign sovereign government, or international organization, to serve as the ranking government representative of his or her own country.
A legal Latin phrase which means "friend of the court." It refers to someone not involved in the case who cooperates to assist the court in deciding a matter.
An agent permitted to represent a person, and who has been qualified by a state or federal court to provide legal services, including appearing in court.
A wearing down to weaken or destroy. In the immigration debate it means a decrease in the number of undocumented aliens as a result of discouragement, resignation, retirement, or natural death.
Mythical place of origin of the Aztec peoples. The exact physical location of Aztlan is unknown, although it was reportedly located on the coast of northwestern Mexico. In Chicano folklore, Aztlan is often appropriated as the name for that portion of Mexico that was taken over by the United States after the Mexican-American War of 1846, on the belief that this greater area represents the point of parting of the Aztec migrations.
A Mexican manual laborer who worked in the United States mostly on farms and railroads in order to alleviate labor market shortages during World War II.
A formal, written law of a country or state, enacted by its congressional authority. In the United States it must have more than 50% of the present legislative body support, and must be legally empowered by the Constitution.
An annually conducted permanent residency lottery that grants "green cards" worldwide without regard to immigration quotas, family sponsorship or professional qualifications. As of 2007, the U.S. State Department granted 50,000 visas through its Diversity Visa Program.
A collective diplomatic mission headed by an ambassador and his/her entourage in the capital of a foreign country. In times of peace the location of residence is usually granted sovereign rights and diplomatic immunity by the host country.
An identification card with photo, fingerprint, signature and personal data issued by the U.S. Customs and Immigration Services for legal permanent resident immigrants. The card used to be green. As of Nov. 7, 2007 the card is white with green lettering on the back.
A legal act (writ) that commands the detainment official to produce the body of the prisoner before a court or a judge. It is often used as a legal strategy to gain release from unlawful or inhumane detention.
A quota system was created to limit the number of non-citizens who become legal permanent residents every year. There are three broad categories: immediate relatives, family-based immigrants, and employment-based immigrants. There are special quotas for the Diversity Visa Lottery, asylum quotas, and quotas for legal permanent residence through cancellation of removal.
An immigrant seeking admission at a port of entry who does not meet the criteria in the Immigration and Nationality Act for admission. The immigrant may be placed in removal proceedings or, under certain circumstances, allowed to withdraw his or her application for admission.
A tax processing number issued by the Internal Revenue Service to persons who are required to have a U.S. taxpayer identification number but who do not have, and are not eligible to obtain, a Social Security Number. ITINs are issued regardless of immigration status.
The idea that people are bound by territorial, linguistic, cultural, racial, and ethnic identity. Nationalism developed in the 19th century as a consequence of the French and American revolutions' principle of sovereign republic.
A document issued by a government that identifies the bearer as a national in good standing and requests that the individual be allowed to enter other countries.
Foreigners who have been granted the right to reside permanently in the United States. Referred to as "immigrants," they are also known as "permanent resident aliens" and "green card holders."
An individual unable or unwilling to return to his/her country of origin due to fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.
A person born in the United States, Guam, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands; or a person naturalized as a U.S. citizen; or a minor whose parent is a natural born or naturalized U.S. citizen.
A stamp or a document attached to the passport granted by an Embassy or Consulate abroad. It allows the traveler to request entry to the foreign country within the time period specified on the visa.
Illegal Immigration Around the World: 13 Countries Compared to the United States
