Entered the U.S. without going through a border checkpoint with an officer. This is different from overstaying a visa. EWI generally means you cannot adjust status inside the U.S. and must go through consular processing abroad.

A border officer waved a vehicle or person through a port of entry without formally inspecting documents. Courts have generally found this counts as being "admitted," which matters because it can open the door to adjustment of status inside the U.S.

Allowed to enter the U.S. temporarily by immigration officials for urgent reasons, even without a visa. Parole counts as being "admitted" for adjustment of status purposes.

A travel document that lets certain immigrants (like DACA holders or pending adjustment applicants) leave the U.S. and return without abandoning their case. Important: traveling without it can end your case.

Staying in the U.S. past the date you were authorized to remain (shown on your I-94). Different legal consequences from EWI.

A person who has a green card and the legal right to live and work in the U.S. permanently. Also called a green card holder.

A person who is a citizen of the United States by birth or naturalization. A USC spouse or child is a qualifying family member for many immigration benefits.

A family where some members are U.S. citizens or LPRs and others are undocumented or have temporary status. Most AFU families are mixed-status.

The process of applying for a green card while staying inside the U.S. (as opposed to leaving for a consular interview). Only available to people who were inspected and admitted or paroled.

Getting a green card through a U.S. consulate or embassy in another country. Required when someone cannot adjust status inside the U.S.

Time spent in the U.S. without legal authorization. This is the clock that triggers the 3- and 10-year bars when someone leaves the U.S.

If someone has been unlawfully present for more than 180 days but less than one year, and then leaves the U.S., they are barred from returning for 3 years.

If someone has been unlawfully present for one year or more, and then leaves the U.S., they are barred from returning for 10 years.

A bar that applies to people who have been unlawfully present for more than one year (in total, across multiple trips) AND entered the U.S. again without permission. They must wait 10 years outside the U.S. before even applying for permission to return.

Re-entering or attempting to re-enter the U.S. without being admitted after a previous removal, or after accruing more than one year of unlawful presence. This can result in a permanent bar from returning to the U.S.

Falsely representing oneself as a U.S. citizen for any purpose under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) or any other federal or state law, typically on or after September 30, 1996. This results in a permanent bar with very limited exceptions.

A legal reason why someone cannot get a visa or green card. Examples include unlawful presence, prior removal orders, certain crimes, public charge, and fraud.

A waiver that lets a qualifying person apply for forgiveness of the 3- or 10-year bar BEFORE leaving the U.S. for their consular interview. Reduces the risk of being stranded abroad. Only covers unlawful presence — not other grounds of inadmissibility.

A broader waiver filed from outside the U.S. (or in some cases inside). Covers unlawful presence and certain other inadmissibility grounds.

Required for people with a prior removal order who want to apply to re-enter the U.S. Filing one alerts USCIS that the person is still in the U.S., which is a risk.

The standard you must prove to get a waiver. You must show that your qualifying relative (the U.S. citizen or LPR spouse/parent) would face extreme hardship if you are denied. Your own hardship does not count — it must be theirs.

The U.S. citizen or LPR spouse or parent whose hardship is the basis of a waiver application. Children do not count as qualifying relatives for I-601A waivers.

A ground of inadmissibility based on the government's concern that someone may become dependent on public benefits. Under the Trump administration, the definition of what counts has been expanded and is actively shifting. Families should seek current legal advice.

A legal action you can file in federal court challenging the legality of your detention. If ICE detains someone unlawfully, a habeas petition can demand their release. The phrase means "you shall have the body" — it forces the government to justify holding someone.

The document that formally starts removal (deportation) proceedings. It lists the charges against a person and schedules them for immigration court. Receiving an NTA does not mean someone has been deported — it starts the court process.

The court process through which the government tries to deport someone. Having an attorney dramatically improves outcomes.

An immigration judge putting a case on hold indefinitely — not dismissed, just paused. It has been used to allow people to pursue waivers. The availability of admin closure has fluctuated across administrations.

A formal order from an immigration judge or the BIA requiring someone to leave the U.S. A person with an old removal order may face additional bars and must file an I-212 before applying to return.

The highest administrative immigration court. Hears appeals from immigration judge decisions.

The federal agency that enforces immigration law inside the U.S., conducts arrests, and manages deportations.

The federal agency that processes immigration applications (green cards, waivers, citizenship, etc.).

The agency that manages U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. Involved in consular processing and visa issuance.

A notice from USCIS asking for more documents or information before making a decision on a case. You have a limited time to respond.

A notice that USCIS intends to deny your application. More serious than an RFE — you must respond quickly and thoroughly.

A policy (not a law) that protects certain people who came to the U.S. as children from deportation and grants work authorization. Currently in legal limbo. No new applications are being accepted as of 2025.

A temporary immigration status for people from designated countries experiencing crisis. Allows recipients to live and work in the U.S. legally. Does not lead directly to a green card.

Allows certain family members of active duty military, veterans, and Ready Reservists to apply for a green card without leaving the U.S., even if they entered without inspection. Cures prior EWI.

A Biden-era policy allowing undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens (married before June 17, 2024) to apply for parole and then a green card without leaving the U.S. Currently blocked by courts.

The first step in sponsoring a family member for a green card. Filed by the U.S. citizen or LPR. Approval does not grant status — it starts the process.

The date a family petition was filed. For some visa categories, there is a long waiting list. Your priority date determines when a visa becomes available for you.

There are more approved petitions than available visas each year. Some family categories have backlogs of years or decades, particularly for citizens of certain countries.

The process by which an LPR becomes a U.S. citizen, typically after 3–5 years of permanent residence and meeting other requirements.