There are three types of immigration levels currently in the United States. If you are not a citizen, but you are unsure which of the areas you fall under, you may be surprised by the different classifications and the legal status around each. Here is a short discussion of the three types and their characteristics.
Undocumented
When a person is in the United States without permission, they are referred to as being undocumented. The individual is not allowed to work, have a driver’s license, or have public benefits access. If someone enters the US without going through a port of entry, or they stay beyond the limits of their temporary visa, they become undocumented. If you are one of these individuals, contact an immigration lawyer in Altamonte Springs for information on how to obtain legal status.
Non-Immigrants
People in this category are in the United States legally, but only for a short-defined time. The groups can include fiancées of citizens, students, and tourists. Some people also place protected or people with asylum in this category. This group of individuals doesn’t wish to immigrate to the US, but sometimes they overstay their legal welcome and become undocumented.
Green Carders
Green carders and conditional residents have legal and lawful rights in the United States that include the ability to hold a job, have a driver’s license, and access some benefits. One of the advantages of being in this category is that after from three to five years, you can petition to become a naturalized citizen. This is limited if you owe child support, have been arrested during your stay in the United States, or owe taxes of any type.
Immigration is a touchy subject around the world because so many people are claiming to be displaced and in need of a new homeland. With millions of people trying to enter the United States each year, immigration matters can become complicated.