What is an Immigrant?
An immigrant is a non-U.S. citizen present in or coming to the United States with an intent
to reside there permanently. The laws governing immigration in the United States presume
that any foreign-born person (also called a “foreign national”) coming to the United States
has the intent to become a lawful permanent resident (LPR). An LPR is someone who has
been granted an immigrant visa (known as a “green card”). Legal immigrants are the
same as LPRs, and they may live and work in the U.S. indefinitely as long as they do not
commit any offenses that would subject them to deportation. (Hint: for an immigrant, think “permanent”)
to reside there permanently. The laws governing immigration in the United States presume
that any foreign-born person (also called a “foreign national”) coming to the United States
has the intent to become a lawful permanent resident (LPR). An LPR is someone who has
been granted an immigrant visa (known as a “green card”). Legal immigrants are the
same as LPRs, and they may live and work in the U.S. indefinitely as long as they do not
commit any offenses that would subject them to deportation. (Hint: for an immigrant, think “permanent”)
What is a Non-immigrant?
A non-immigrant is a foreign national permitted to enter the U.S. for a limited duration
for purposes such as travel, school, temporary employment, and business investment
(See below for a complete list of the non-immigrant visa categories.).
Non-immigrants are granted non-immigrant visas. (Hint: for a non-immigrant, think temporary)