Alien

Alien in the Context of Immigration

An alien is a term used in legal and immigration contexts to refer to someone who is not a citizen or national of a country in which they are living. An alien might be in a country for various purposes including residency, employment, study, or tourism. The classification of an alien can have significant implications on their rights, responsibilities, and legal obligations in the host country.

Examples

Student Alien: A foreign national studying in the U.S. on a student visa.
Resident Alien: A non-citizen who has established permanent residency in a country but is not a citizen.
Illegal Alien: A person residing in a country without authorized documentation or permissions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between an alien and a resident alien?

An alien is any person who is not a citizen of the country where they are living. A resident alien is someone who lives in the country on a long-term basis and has certain legal rights and responsibilities, but does not have citizenship.

Can an alien apply for citizenship?

Yes, an alien can apply for citizenship through a naturalization process, which typically involves meeting residency requirements, demonstrating good moral character, passing language and civics tests, and taking an oath of allegiance.

What legal benefits do resident aliens have?

Resident aliens often have the right to work, own property, receive education, and access certain public benefits. However, they may not have all the rights of citizens, such as voting in national elections.

What happens if an illegal alien is caught?

If an illegal alien is caught, they may be subject to deportation or removal from the country depending on the legal framework and circumstances of their stay and apprehension.

What categories of visas can an alien hold to reside legally?

Aliens can hold various types of visas such as tourist visas, student visas, work visas, and family-based visas to reside legally in a country.

Illegal Alien: An individual who enters or resides in a country without proper authorization or documentation.
Resident Alien: A non-citizen who lives permanently in the country and enjoys some but not all rights as a citizen.

Online Resources

Suggested Books for Further Studies

“The Rights of Immigrants: The Basic ACLU Guide to Immigration Law” by David Carliner
“Immigration Law and Policy” by Stephen H. Legomsky and David B. Thronson
“Immigration Outside the Law” by Hiroshi Motomura

Fundamentals of Alien: Immigration Basics Quiz

### What is the term used for a person living in a country without legal authorization? - [x] Illegal Alien - [ ] Resident Alien - [ ] Naturalized Citizen - [ ] Expatriate > **Explanation:** An illegal alien is a person who resides in a country without the required legal documentation or authorization. ### What is a significant benefit that a resident alien does not typically have? - [ ] Right to property - [ ] Right to employment - [x] Right to vote in national elections - [ ] Access to public education > **Explanation:** Resident aliens generally cannot vote in national elections, whereas they may have other rights such as owning property and working. ### What must a resident alien typically do to become a naturalized citizen? - [ ] Own property in the country - [ ] Be married to a citizen - [x] Meet residency requirements and pass specific tests - [ ] Have a tourist visa > **Explanation:** To become a naturalized citizen, a resident alien typically must meet certain residency requirements, demonstrate good moral character, and pass language and civics tests. ### What term is used for a foreign national studying in a country on a visa? - [x] Student Alien - [ ] Resident Alien - [ ] Illegal Alien - [ ] Refugee > **Explanation:** A student alien is a foreign national living in a country on a student visa for educational purposes. ### Who is responsible for the deportation of illegal aliens? - [ ] Local police departments - [x] Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) - [ ] U.S. Senate - [ ] The individual's consulate > **Explanation:** Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is responsible for enforcing laws related to border control, including the deportation of illegal aliens. ### Which type of visa allows an alien to work in a foreign country? - [ ] Tourist visa - [ ] Student visa - [x] Work visa - [ ] Diplomatic visa > **Explanation:** A work visa grants the holder the right to work legally in a foreign country. ### Are aliens allowed to access public benefits in most countries? - [ ] Never - [ ] Only illegal aliens - [x] Resident aliens usually can - [ ] Tourist visa holders > **Explanation:** Resident aliens are usually allowed access to some public benefits, unlike illegal aliens or those on tourist visas. ### What document can change an alien's status to that of a lawful permanent resident? - [x] Green Card (U.S.) - [ ] Passport - [ ] Student Visa - [ ] Work Permit > **Explanation:** In the U.S., a Green Card allows an alien to become a lawful permanent resident. ### What is required for an alien to maintain legality in a host country? - [ ] Monthly check-ins with police - [ ] Owning property - [x] Holding a valid visa or residency permit - [ ] Frequent travel back to their home country > **Explanation:** To maintain legal status, an alien must hold a valid visa or residency permit. ### Can a resident alien be deported? - [x] Yes - [ ] No - [ ] Only after 10 years - [ ] Never, once resident > **Explanation:** Resident aliens can be deported if they violate immigration laws or commit certain crimes.

Thank you for engaging in our examination of immigration terminology and tackling our quiz questions. Keep mastering your knowledge on this crucial subject!