“Life is what happens to us while we are making other plans.” 

― Allen Saunders 

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What’s the difference between legal and undocumented immigrants?

Legal immigrants are foreign-born people legally admitted to the U.S. Undocumented immigrants, also called illegal aliens, are foreign-born people who do not possess a valid visa or other immigration documentation because they entered the U.S. without inspection, stayed longer than their temporary visa permitted, or otherwise violated the terms under which they were admitted.

How does legal immigration work?

To immigrate legally, a person must receive permission from the U.S. government before entering.

• There are many different visa categories, each with its requirements, rights, and responsibilities.
• Other common pathways include employment, humanitarian protection, and the green card lottery.

Immigrants who are granted permanent residence are known as lawful permanent residents (LPRs) or "green card" holders.

If they marry a U.S. citizen, LPRs can apply for U.S. citizenship after five or three years.

What are the rights of legal immigrants?

Legal immigrants can work without special restrictions, own property, and receive financial assistance at public colleges and universities. They can also join the Armed Forces.

Illegal immigration, also known as unlawful immigration, occurs when a foreign-born person enters the U.S. without a valid visa or other immigration documentation.