An annual lottery through which nationals of countries which the U.S. considers to be under-represented through other immigration channels, can apply for an immigrant visa (legal permanent residence) in the U.S. Foreign nationals can apply from outside or inside the U.S., but those who are unlawfully present in the U.S. will not be able to adjust s [..]

The process of applying for legal permanent residence from within the United States as opposed to applying from abroad which is called “consular processing.”

Someone physically present in the U.S. who is not a U.S. citizen. Among others, the term includes: temporary visitors, legal permanent residents, and undocumented individuals. Many advocates feel this term has a negative connotation. We therefore use the term “foreign national” instead throughout the website.

An individual who has won a claim for asylum. Asylees are eligible to work in the United States and may be able to travel internationally on a refugee travel document. Asylees may sponsor immediate relatives and qualify for a wide variety of public benefits.  One year after winning asylum, an asylee may apply for legal permanent residence.

An immigration benefit for which nationals of other countries can apply if they have a well-founded fear of future persecution on account of certain protected characteristics. Persecution on account of sexual orientation, transgender identity and HIV-positive status have been found to be grounds for asylum.

In most applications for permanent residence (family-based and employment based immigrant visas), the visa applicant is actually the family member or employer, not the foreign national. Instead, the foreign national is the beneficiary of the application. It is important to be aware that in most circumstances, receiving immigration status in the Uni [..]

A sum of money which a detained foreign national posts with the Department of Homeland Security in order to be permitted to be free from detention while removal proceedings are pending.

This is an immigration benefit which may be obtained only in immigration court.  There are two types of cancellation of removal.  First, non-LPR cancellation

The process by which a foreign national applies to change from one non-immigrant status (such as tourist) to another non-immigrant status (such as student.)

Federal circuit courts of appeals have the authority to review decisions by the BIA.