State attempts to deny welfare benefits to legally resident aliens violate the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the exclusive powers of the federal government in immigration matters. When...
immigration law
Graham v. Richardson
403 U.S. 365 (1971)
green card
A green card, officially known as a Permanent Resident Card, is the common term used to describe a permanent resident card. The green card allows its holders to live and work permanently in the United States.
This plastic...
H1-B visa
The H1-B visa is a temporary (nonimmigrant) visa category issued by the United States government. The H1-B visa allows employers to petition for highly educated foreign professionals to work in “specialty occupations” that require at least a...
I-94 Card
The I-94 Card is a document required from non-immigrant visitors entering the United States with a visa. Such non-immigrants are required to complete the Arrival-Departure Record, which is the CBP Form I-94, or the Crewman Landing Permit (CBP...
I.N.S. v. Lopez-Mendoza
468 U.S. 1032 (1984)
The Supreme Court held that deportation hearings are civil proceedings, the defendant cannot suppress his or her identity even if subject to an unlawful arrest, and the exclusionary rule does not apply to deportation hearings. Read...
illegal immigrant
More commonly referred to as undocumented immigrants, illegal immigrants are aliens who enter or remain in a country unlawfully. The category of “illegal immigrant” contrasts with “legal” or “documented” immigrants who enter a country...
Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act
The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRIRA) strengthened U.S. immigration laws, increasing penalties for undocumented immigrants who commit crimes while in the United States or who stay in the U.S. for...
immediate relative
Immediate relatives are the closest family members, which usually include parents, spouses, and children, sometimes including siblings and grandparents. The relationships are created via blood, adoption, and marriage.
The...
immigrant visa
Immigrant visas are legal documents issued by the U.S. government for foreigners who intend to live permanently in the United States. A foreign citizen should submit a petition to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS...
immigration
Immigration refers to the movement of persons into a new country with the intention to reside in that country. This includes state sanctioned immigration (sometimes referred to as “legal immigration”) and unlawful immigration (sometimes...