Glossary: Words You Need to Know

• Library: Becoming a U.S. Citizen (Nolo) (2021 Ed.)

GLOSSARY: Words You Need to Know

A-number. An eight- or nine-digit number following the letter A (for Alien) that USCIS assigns to green card applicants, to people who apply for certain immigration benefits, and to people placed in removal (deportation) proceedings. Once an A-number is assigned, USCIS uses it to track an applicant's file. The A-number must be included on any correspondence with USCIS.

Aggravated felony. A crime so serious that it will permanently bar a person from U.S. citizenship. The immigration law counts a number of crimes as aggravated felonies, even if the criminal laws didn't call them felonies in the first place. (For more information, see Chapter 2, Section D1.)

Alien smuggling. Helping or encouraging someone to enter the United States illegally, most likely across the border. People who have committed alien smuggling can be barred from U.S. citizenship. (For more information, see Chapter 2, Section D3.)

Appeal. An opportunity for a higher authority to review an immigration decision. In the citizenship context, the first appeal after a denial of one's application is called an "administrative appeal," meaning that it is heard by another officer of USCIS. If the administrative appeal is denied, the applicant can pursue further appeals in the federal courts, with the help of a lawyer.

Asylee. Someone who is permitted to live in the United States as a sanctuary from the persecution faced in the native country. Asylees can apply for green cards and later for U.S. citizenship. (For information on when asylees become eligible for citizenship, see Chapter 2, Section A3.)

Citizen (U.S.). A person who owes allegiance to the U.S. government, is entitled to its protection, and enjoys the highest level of rights due to members of U.S. society. People become U.S. citizens through their birth in the United States or one of its territories, through their parents, or through naturalization. Citizenship status cannot be taken away except for certain extraordinary reasons. (For more information, see the immigration articles on Nolo's website (www.nolo.com).)

Citizenship exam. A series of tests that a lawful permanent resident must pass to become a naturalized U.S. citizen, covering the English language (speaking, writing, and reading) as well as U.S. civics, history, and government.

Conditional resident. A person whose status is almost identical to that of a lawful permanent resident, except that it expires after two years. Before the expiration date, the conditional resident must submit an application asking USCIS to remove the conditions and approve permanent residency.

Consulate. An office of the U.S. State Department located overseas and affiliated with a U.S. embassy in that country's capital city.

Continuous residence. One of the requirements for U.S. citizenship (also referred to in this book as the "continuous U.S. stay" requirement), in which applicants must have maintained a permanent dwelling place in the United States over a specified period of time, usually five years. (For more information, see Chapter 2...