Before proceeding, it would be useful to settle some basic terminology. The law defines an "alien" as anyone who is not a citizen or national of the United States (the distinction between a "citizen" and a "national" is subtle, and of no relevance to this discussion). Aliens may generally be divided into two groups: those with permanent legal status in the United States, and those without. Those who are entitled to reside and work here permanently are called "lawful permanent residents" or "LPR's". The card that evidences LPR status is commonly called a "green card," although it has not been green for over years.
After residing in the U.S. for a certain period of time (usually five years after receiving LPR status), an otherwise eligible immigrant may apply to become a United States citizen through a process called "naturalization."
Aliens who are not LPR's may be in the United States legally in a temporary or "nonimmigrant" visa status. Common examples of nonimmigrant categories include tourist visas and border crossing cards, student visas, and several types of temporary worker visas. And, of course, many aliens, especially in the border areas, may be here illegally without any status.
Criminal conduct may be relevant to a non-citizen in several ways. For an alien who is not an LPR, a conviction will almost certainly result in deportation or removal, and even an "admission of the essential elements" of certain offenses may prevent them from ever receiving permanent resident status. For an LPR, convictions of certain offenses will result in deportation or removal. At the very least, a conviction may prevent an otherwise qualified permanent resident from becoming a citizen.
After residing in the U.S. for a certain period of time (usually five years after receiving LPR status), an otherwise eligible immigrant may apply to become a United States citizen through a process called "naturalization."
Aliens who are not LPR's may be in the United States legally in a temporary or "nonimmigrant" visa status. Common examples of nonimmigrant categories include tourist visas and border crossing cards, student visas, and several types of temporary worker visas. And, of course, many aliens, especially in the border areas, may be here illegally without any status.
Criminal conduct may be relevant to a non-citizen in several ways. For an alien who is not an LPR, a conviction will almost certainly result in deportation or removal, and even an "admission of the essential elements" of certain offenses may prevent them from ever receiving permanent resident status. For an LPR, convictions of certain offenses will result in deportation or removal. At the very least, a conviction may prevent an otherwise qualified permanent resident from becoming a citizen.
ليست هناك تعليقات:
إرسال تعليق