A

"A" Number
The term used on the Alien Registration number. An “A" number is issued to all aliens applying for permanent residence.

Academic Training
This type of training is for students on a J-1 visa. The training is similar to students on an F-1 visa doing the Optional Professional Training (OPT). However, academic training is only for J-1 visa holders.

Acquired Citizenship
Citizenship bestowed at birth on children who are born overseas to U.S. citizen parent(s).

Act
Act means the "Immigration and Nationality Act" (or INA), as amended.

ACWIA
American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998.

Adjudication
The term describing the USCIS process of reviewing and processing applications and petitions.

Adjustment of Immigrant Status
A process that permits a number of foreigners who are already in the United States to apply for immigrant status. Foreigners who enter the United States as non-immigrants, refugees, or parolees might have their status altered to that of legal permanent resident if they are qualified to obtain an immigrant visa and one is available right away. If the status is changed successfully, the alien is considered an immigrant as of the date of the adjustment regardless if the alien may have been in the United States for a long period of time.

Admission
Admission in immigration terms is related to the lawful entry into the United States after inspection and authorization by an immigration officer. Note that admission does exclude a person who is paroled or permitted to land temporarily.

Admission Number
The particular number is found on your I-94 card, which will change every time you enter the Unites States. Remember to give this card back once your leave the U.S. so there is a record of your U.S. entry and departure.

Adoption
See Orphan.

Advance Parole
The term used for legal permission to leave the United States and re-enter during the adjustment of the individuals status procedures.

Affidavit of Support
The affidavit of support is a sworn document provided by an individual who will provide financial support to an alien who seeks to adjust existing status or enter the United States. In some cases, the Affidavit of Support is required and needs to be included as a part of the petition process. There are two Affidavits of Support: Form I-864 and Form I-134. The law and regulations must be consulted to learn the appropriate use and requirements for each.

Aggravated Felony

Aggravated Felony refers to more serious crimes. If you have committed an aggravated felony, you are not eligible for naturalization. The Immigration and Nationality Act and the laws in each state determine what is considered an aggravated felony.

Agricultural Worker
An agricultural worker is a foreign worker who is coming to the United States to carry out agricultural work or services, as defined by the Secretary of Labor, for a temporary period of time as a nonimmigrant.

AILA
Abbreviation for "American Immigration Lawyers Association."

Alien
Belonging to another country or people. A foreign born resident of a country who has not been naturalized.

Aliens Previously Removed
A term used to describe the inadmissibility for individuals previously removed from anywhere between 5 to 20 years, depending upon the circumstances of each case. INA Section 212(a)(9)(A), 8 USC Section 1182.

Amerasian Act
Public Law 97-359 (Act of 10/22/82) that permits certain Amerasian children to immigrate to the United States. An alien must have been born in Cambodia, Korea, Laos, Thailand, or Vietnam after December 31, 1950, and before October 22, 1982, and have been fathered by a U.S. citizen for him/her to meet the requirements for benefits under this law.

Amerasian (Vietnam)
Immigrant visas are granted to Amerasians under Public Law 100-202 (Act of 12/22/87). This law grants aliens who are born in Vietnam after January 1, 1962, and befor