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  United States Immigration

United States Immigration is the legal process whereby someone from another country moves to the US and takes up permanent residence. Aliens wishing to become lawful permanent residents have two options, depending on their residence at the time of application. Aliens living outside of the United States apply for an immigrant visa at a consular office of the Department of State. Once issued a visa, they may enter the United States and become legal immigrants when they pass through the port of entry.

Aliens already living in the United States file an application for adjustment of status to lawful permanent residence with the INS. This includes certain undocumented immigrants, temporary workers, foreign students, and refugees. When applying for adjustment of status, they may also apply for work permits. Adjustment of status applicants are granted lawful permanent residence at the time their applications are approved. New legal immigrants are automatically authorized to work and should receive permanent resident cards, also called green cards, soon after becoming lawful permanent residents.