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Glossary of Immigration Terms & Legal Terms Begining with I

I-551 (Green Card)

From travel.state.gov Permanent residence card or alien registration receipt card or "green card." See Lawful Permanent Resident.

Immediate Relative

Certain immigrants who because of their close relationship to U.S. citizens are exempt from the numerical limitations imposed on immigration to the United States. Immediate relatives ar
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Immigrant

Permanent Resident Alien

Immigrant visa

From travel.state.gov A visa for a person who plans to live indefinitely and permanently in the United States.

Immigration Act of 1990

Public Law 101-649 (Act of November 29, 1990), which increased the limits on legal immigration to the United States, revised all grounds for exclusion and deportation, authorized tempor
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Immigration and Nationality Act

The Act (INA), which, along with other immigration laws, treaties, and conventions of the United States, relates to the immigration, temporary admission, naturalization, and removal of
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Immigration and Naturalization Service

From travel.state.gov A branch of the Department of Justice that formerly existed and had responsibility for immigration and naturalization. INS was renamed and became part of Departmen
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Immigration Attorney

Any Attorney in good standing who gives advice on immigration matters. Although it is not mandatory, almost all such Attorneys are members of AILA, and you should be very cautious when
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Immigration Issue

Immigration Judge

An attorney appointed by the Attorney General to act as an administrative judge within the Executive Office for Immigration Review. They are qualified to conduct specified classes of pr
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Immigration Law

All laws (statutes, ordinances, executive orders, mandates) of a particular country which govern any Immigration Matter. In the United States, these laws include the Immigration and Nat
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Immigration Lawyer

Any lawyer in good standing who gives advice on Immigration Matters. Although it is not mandatory, almost all such Lawyers are members of AILA, and you should be very cautious when gett
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Immigration Marriage Fraud Amendments of 1986

Public Law 99-639 (Act of 11/10/86), which was passed in order to deter immigration-related marriage fraud. Its major provision stipulates that aliens deriving their immigrant status ba
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Immigration Matter

Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986

Public Law 99-603 (Act of 11/6/86), which was passed in order to control and deter illegal immigration to the United States. Its major provisions stipulate legalization of undocumented
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Impeachment

The process of calling a witness's testimony into doubt. For example, if the attorney can show that the witness may have fabricated portions of his testimony, the witness is said t
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In Absentia Hearing

If an alien does not appear for a scheduled hearing, he or she may be ordered removed in absentia (being absent for a hearing). The Immigration Judge will order an alien removed in abse
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In Camera

Latin, meaning in a judge's chambers. Often means outside the presence of a jury and the public. In private.

In Forma Pauperis

"In the manner of a pauper." Permission given by the court to a person to file a case without payment of the required court fees because the person cannot pay them.

In status

From travel.state.gov It’s important to understand the concept of immigration status and the consequences of violating that status. Being aware of the requirements and possible con
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INA

The Immigration and Nationality Act

Inadmissable

An alien seeking admission at a port of entry who does not meet the criteria in the INA for admission. The alien may be placed in removal proceedings or, under certain circumstances, al
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Inculpatory Evidence

Evidence indicating that a defendant did commit the crime.

Indictment

The formal charge issued by a grand jury stating that there is enough evidence that the defendant committed the crime to justify having a trial; it is used primarily for felonies.

Industrial Trainee

Temporary Worker

Ineligible/Ineligibility

From travel.state.gov Immigration law says that certain conditions and actions prevent a person from entering the United States. These conditions and activities are called ineligibiliti
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Injunction

A court order preventing one or more named parties from taking some action. A preliminary injunction often is issued to allow fact-finding, so a judge can determine whether a permanent
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International Representative

As a nonimmigrant class of admission, an alien coming temporarily to the United States as a principal or other accredited representative of a foreign government (whether officially reco
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Interrogatories

A form of discovery consisting of written questions to be answered in writing and under oath.

Intracompany Trainee

An alien, employed for at least one continuous year out of the last three by an international firm or corporation, who seeks to enter the United States temporarily in order to continue
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IRCA

Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986

Issue

1. The disputed point between parties in a lawsuit; 2. To send out officially, as in a court issuing an order.

IV

From travel.state.gov Immigrant Visa