Immigration Law Terminology Glossary (A–Z) | Spanish-English
The Administrative Maze
Immigration Law Terminology
A Professional Gift to the Interpreting Community from Samuel Arcelay
Immigration Law is a unique hybrid. It is technically Civil Law, but carries consequences as severe as Criminal Law. Navigating the "Alphabet Soup" of DHS (USCIS, ICE, CBP) and the DOJ (EOIR) requires linguistic precision. Status versus Presence is a critical distinction in this domain.
A
Adjustment of Status (AOS)Ajuste de estatus
Definition: Process that allows a person already in the U.S. to become a lawful permanent resident.
Notes: Requires eligibility (e.g., family, asylum).
Notes: Requires eligibility (e.g., family, asylum).
Administrative ClosureCierre administrativo
Definition: Procedural action temporarily removing a case from the court docket.
Notes: Case remains pending but inactive.
Notes: Case remains pending but inactive.
Administrative RemovalExpulsión administrativa
Definition: Deportation ordered by DHS without a formal judge hearing.
AdmissibilityAdmisibilidad
Definition: Legal standard determining whether a person may lawfully enter or remain in the U.S.
Advance ParolePermiso adelantado de viaje
Definition: Authorization allowing certain non-citizens to re-enter the U.S. while a case is pending.
Affidavit of Support (I-864)Declaración jurada de manutención (I-864)
Definition: Legally enforceable contract in which a sponsor promises to financially support an immigrant.
Aggravated Felony (Immigration Definition)Delito agravado (definición migratoria)
Definition: Broad category of crimes carrying severe consequences, including mandatory deportation.
Alien Number (A-Number)Número de extranjero (A-Number)
Definition: Unique identification number assigned to non-citizens by DHS.
Arrival/Departure StampSello de entrada/salida (CBP)
Definition: Ink stamp placed in passport showing date and class of admission.
AsylumAsilo
Definition: Protection granted to foreign nationals who meet the definition of a refugee.
B
BeneficiaryBeneficiario
Definition: Person receiving the immigration benefit requested in a petition.
Biometric Entry/Exit SystemSistema biométrico de entrada/salida
Definition: DHS system tracking entries and departures using biometrics.
Bona Fide MarriageMatrimonio de buena fe
Definition: A real marriage entered into for legitimate reasons, not for benefits.
Bond HearingAudiencia de fianza (tribunal de inmigración)
Definition: Hearing where a judge determines if a detained migrant may be released.
Border Patrol (CBP)Patrulla Fronteriza (CBP)
Definition: Federal agency securing U.S. borders between ports of entry.
Burden of Proof (Immigration)Carga de la prueba (inmigración)
Definition: Responsibility to prove eligibility (usually falls on applicant).
C
Cancellation of RemovalCancelación de deportación (no residente / residente)
Definition: Form of relief allowing certain individuals to avoid removal.
Cancellation of Removal Under VAWACancelación de deportación bajo VAWA
Definition: Special relief for abused spouses/children of citizens or LPRs.
CBP One AppointmentCita en CBP One
Definition: Mobile-app pre-screening for entry at ports of entry.
Certificate of CitizenshipCertificado de ciudadanía
Definition: Document proving citizenship for those who derived it from parents.
Certificate of NaturalizationCertificado de naturalización
Definition: Official document proving U.S. citizenship after naturalization.
Change of StatusCambio de estatus
Definition: Application to switch nonimmigrant classifications while in U.S.
Consular ProcessingProcesamiento consular
Definition: Applying for a visa at a U.S. consulate abroad.
Consular ReturnDevolución consular
Definition: When a consulate returns a petition to USCIS for revocation.
Convention Against Torture (CAT)Convención contra la Tortura
Definition: Protection prohibiting return to a country where torture is likely.
Credible Fear Interview (CFI)Entrevista de temor creíble
Definition: Screening to determine fear of persecution at the border.
Custody Determination (ICE)Determinación de custodia (ICE)
Definition: ICE’s initial decision to detain or release pending proceedings.
D
Deferred ActionAcción diferida
Definition: Discretionary decision to delay deportation (includes DACA).
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)Acción Diferida para los Llegados en la Infancia (DACA)
Definition: Program protecting eligible youth from deportation.
Deferred InspectionInspección diferida
Definition: Post-entry review when documents are incomplete.
Departure Control CheckControl de salida
Definition: Check ensuring certain individuals do not depart without authorization.
Derivative BeneficiaryBeneficiario derivado
Definition: Family member receiving benefits through another's petition.
Detainer (ICE Hold)Retención de ICE / Detención migratoria
Definition: Request to local police to hold a person for ICE pickup.
DHS (Department of Homeland Security)Departamento de Seguridad Nacional (DHS)
Definition: Federal agency overseeing enforcement and benefits.
Diversity Visa (DV) LotteryLotería de Visas de Diversidad
Definition: Program providing visas to persons from low-immigration countries.
Documented DreamerDreamer documentado
Definition: Child who grew up legally but ages out of status at 21.
Dual NationalityDoble nacionalidad
Definition: Person recognized as a citizen of two countries.
E
Electronic I-94I-94 electrónico
Definition: Online version of the arrival/departure record.
Employment Authorization Document (EAD)Documento de autorización de empleo (EAD)
Definition: Permit allowing non-citizens to work legally.
Employment-Based Preference (EB-1 to EB-5)Categorías de preferencia por empleo (EB-1 a EB-5)
Definition: Five tiers of employment green card categories.
Entry Without Inspection (EWI)Entrada sin inspección
Definition: Crossing into the U.S. without going through a port of entry.
Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR)Oficina Ejecutiva de Revisión de Inmigración (EOIR)
Definition: Agency that conducts immigration court hearings (DOJ).
Expedited RemovalRemoción expedita
Definition: Fast-track deportation without a judge for recent arrivals.
Extreme Hardship WaiverPerdón por dificultad extrema
Definition: Waiver requiring proof of extreme hardship to US relatives.
F
Failure to AppearNo comparecer
Definition: Missing a scheduled hearing; may result in removal order.
Family-Based Petition (I-130)Petición familiar (I-130)
Definition: Form filed to sponsor a qualifying relative.
Fee Waiver (Form I-912)Exención de tarifas (Formulario I-912)
Definition: Request to waive USCIS filing fees due to low income.
Fingerprinting Appointment (Biometrics)Cita de huellas dactilares (biometría)
Definition: USCIS security vetting (fingerprints, photo).
Form I-94Formulario I-94 (registro de entrada/salida)
Definition: Document showing admission status and authorized stay.
Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS)Unidad de Detección de Fraude y Seguridad Nacional (FDNS)
Definition: USCIS unit investigating benefit fraud.
Fraud Waiver (INA 212(i))Perdón por fraude (INA 212(i))
Definition: Waiver for misrepresentation; requires qualifying relative.
Frivolous Asylum ApplicationSolicitud de asilo frívola
Definition: Application found to contain deliberate fabrications; permanent bar.
G
G-28 (Notice of Representation)G-28 (Aviso de representación)
Definition: Form allowing an attorney to represent a client before DHS/EOIR.
Good Moral Character (GMC)Buen carácter moral
Definition: Required for naturalization and certain relief.
Green Card (I-551)Tarjeta verde / Tarjeta de residente permanente
Definition: Proof of lawful permanent residency.
Grounds of InadmissibilityCausales de inadmisibilidad
Definition: Reasons entry or a visa may be denied.
NACARAProgramas especiales para Guatemala, El Salvador y Centroamérica (NACARA)
Definition: Laws granting special relief to specific populations.
H
H-1B Specialty Occupation VisaVisa H-1B para ocupaciones especializadas
Definition: Work visa for professionals requiring specialized knowledge.
H-2A Agricultural VisaVisa H-2A para trabajadores agrícolas temporales
Definition: Visa for seasonal U.S. agricultural work.
H-2B Non-Agricultural VisaVisa H-2B para trabajadores temporales no agrícolas
Definition: Visa for seasonal non-agricultural jobs.
H-4 Dependent VisaVisa H-4 para dependientes
Definition: Visa for spouses and children of H holders.
Habeas Corpus (Detention)Habeas corpus (detención migratoria)
Definition: Challenge to unlawful detention by ICE in federal court.
Hearing NoticeNotificación de audiencia
Definition: Document informing respondent of court date and time.
Holistic Risk Assessment (Asylum)Evaluación de riesgo integral
Definition: Review of factors indicating danger upon return.
Humanitarian ParolePermiso humanitario
Definition: Temporary permission to enter/remain for urgent reasons.
Humanitarian ReinstatementRestablecimiento humanitario
Definition: Discretionary reinstatement of I-130 after petitioner dies.
I
I-140 Immigrant PetitionPetición de inmigrante para trabajador extranjero (I-140)
Definition: Employment-based immigrant petition.
I-485 ApplicationSolicitud I-485 para registrar residencia permanente
Definition: Form used to apply for adjustment of status inside U.S.
I-601 / I-601A WaiverPerdón migratorio I-601 / I-601A
Definition: Waivers for unlawful presence or fraud.
ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement)ICE (Inmigración y Control de Aduanas)
Definition: Federal agency conducting arrests, detentions, and removals.
Identity DocumentDocumento de identidad
Definition: Passport or ID used to verify identity for applications.
Immediate Relative CategoryCategoría de familiar inmediato
Definition: Classification (spouses, parents, children of USCs) with no visa caps.
Immigrant Visa (IV)Visa de inmigrante (IV)
Definition: Visa granting residency upon entry; issued at consulates.
Immigration Detention FacilityCentro de detención migratoria
Definition: Facility where ICE houses detainees awaiting proceedings.
Immigration Judge (IJ)Juez de inmigración (IJ)
Definition: Adjudicator of removal cases under EOIR.
In Absentia Removal OrderOrden de deportación en ausencia
Definition: Deportation order issued when a respondent fails to appear.
Inadmissibility vs. DeportabilityInadmisibilidad vs. deportabilidad
Definition: Inadmissibility applies when seeking entry; deportability after admission.
Interim Work AuthorizationAutorización de trabajo provisional
Definition: Temporary work permit while case is pending.
J
J-1 Exchange Visitor VisaVisa J-1 para visitantes de intercambio
Definition: Visa for exchange, research, or training programs.
J-2 Dependent VisaVisa J-2 para dependientes
Definition: Visa for spouses and children of J-1 holders.
Joint Motion to ReopenMoción conjunta para reabrir
Definition: Motion filed by DHS and respondent to reopen a case.
Joint SponsorPatrocinador conjunto
Definition: Additional sponsor used for financial liability (I-864).
Judicial Stay of RemovalSuspensión judicial de la deportación
Definition: Court order temporarily preventing deportation.
Juvenile DetentionDetención juvenil (inmigración)
Definition: Specialized detention for minors under ORR.
K
K-1 Fiancé(e) VisaVisa K-1 para prometido(a)
Definition: Allows entry for marriage within 90 days.
K-3 Spouse VisaVisa K-3 para cónyuge
Definition: Visa for foreign spouses while immigrant petition pending.
K-Denial (Consular)Negación K (rechazo consular)
Definition: Denial of K-1/K-3 visa at a U.S. consulate.
Knowingly Entering Without InspectionEntrada voluntaria sin inspección
Definition: Intentional entry bypassing ports of entry.
L
L-1 Intracompany Transferee VisaVisa L-1 para transferidos dentro de la misma empresa
Definition: Visa for managers/executives transferred within a company.
Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR)Residente permanente legal (LPR)
Definition: Non-citizen authorized to live/work permanently (Green Card).
Lawful Status vs. Unlawful PresenceEstatus legal vs. presencia ilegal
Definition: Status refers to visa category; presence to time after expiration.
LegalizationLegalización
Definition: Process granting status to undocumented individuals via law.
Lodged DetainerRetenedor migratorio registrado
Definition: ICE request to hold a person until they can take custody.
Low Priority CaseCaso de baja prioridad (discreción procesal)
Definition: Case ICE decides not to pursue due to humanitarian factors.
M
Master Calendar Hearing (MCH)Audiencia de calendario maestro (MCH)
Definition: Initial hearing to schedule case and take pleadings.
Merits HearingAudiencia individual / Audiencia de fondo
Definition: Trial where testimony is presented; determines deportation/relief.
Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP)Protocolos de Protección al Migrante (MPP)
Definition: "Remain in Mexico" program for asylum seekers.
MootnessFalta de objeto / Carencia de materia
Definition: Case irrelevant due to changed circumstances (e.g., deportation).
Motion to Change VenueMoción para cambiar la sede
Definition: Request to transfer case to another immigration court.
Motion to ReopenMoción para reabrir
Definition: Request based on new evidence or changed facts.
Motion to Stay RemovalMoción para suspender la deportación
Definition: Request to pause deportation during appeal.
Motion to TerminateMoción para terminar el procedimiento
Definition: Request to end removal proceedings (e.g., lack of jurisdiction).
N
National Visa Center (NVC)Centro Nacional de Visas (NVC)
Definition: State Dept center processing approved petitions before consulates.
Nationality Identity DocumentsDocumentos de identidad y nacionalidad
Definition: Passports or ID cards proving citizenship.
NaturalizationNaturalización
Definition: Process by which an LPR becomes a U.S. citizen (N-400).
Nexus (Asylum Requirement)Nexo (requisito de asilo)
Definition: Required link between persecution and a protected ground.
Non-Detained DocketDocket de no detenidos
Definition: Court cases for individuals not in ICE custody.
Nonimmigrant Visa (NIV)Visa de no inmigrante (NIV)
Definition: Temporary visa categories (visitors, students, workers).
Notice to Appear (NTA)Notificación de comparecencia (NTA)
Definition: Charging document initiating removal proceedings.
O
O-1 VisaVisa O-1 para habilidad extraordinaria
Definition: Visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in science, arts, or business.
Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)Oficina de Reasentamiento de Refugiados (ORR)
Definition: Agency responsible for unaccompanied minor custody.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)Entrenamiento práctico opcional (OPT)
Definition: Work authorization for F-1 students in their field.
Order of Supervision (ICE)Orden de supervisión (ICE)
Definition: Release order requiring reporting instead of detention.
OverstayPermanencia indebida / Exceder el tiempo
Definition: Staying in U.S. beyond visa-authorized period.
P
Parole in Place (PIP)Permiso de permanencia en el país (PIP)
Definition: Parole for family of military members allowing AOS.
Particular Social Group (PSG)Grupo social particular (PSG)
Definition: Protected ground for asylum based on immutable traits.
Persecution (Asylum)Persecución (estándar de asilo)
Definition: Serious harm or threats to life based on protected grounds.
Petitioner (Immigration)Peticionario / Solicitante
Definition: Person who files an immigration petition for a beneficiary.
Port of Entry (POE)Punto de entrada
Definition: Location where travelers request admission to U.S.
Priority DateFecha de prioridad
Definition: Filing date determining visa availability in quota systems.
Prosecutorial Discretion (PD)Discreción procesal (PD)
Definition: ICE authority to close or dismiss removal cases.
Public Charge RuleRegla de carga pública
Definition: Assessment of applicant likelihood to depend on gov benefits.
Q
Qualifying RelativeFamiliar calificado
Definition: U.S. citizen/LPR relative considered for hardship waivers.
Questioning at the BorderInterrogatorio en la frontera
Definition: Secondary inspection screening by CBP.
R
Reentry Permit (I-327)Permiso de reingreso (I-327)
Definition: Document allowing LPRs to return after extended travel.
RefugeeRefugiado
Definition: Individual outside home country with well-founded fear.
Refugee Travel DocumentDocumento de viaje para refugiados
Definition: Travel doc issued to refugees/asylees in place of passport.
Removal ProceedingsProcedimientos de deportación
Definition: Court process deciding deportation (EOIR).
Rescission of AOSRevocación del ajuste de estatus
Definition: Gov action canceling residency obtained via fraud/error.
Return OrderOrden de retorno al país de origen
Definition: Directive to depart voluntarily or by removal.
S
Safe Third Country AgreementAcuerdo de tercer país seguro
Definition: Treaty requiring asylum application in the first safe country.
Special Immigrant Juvenile (SIJS)Estatus de menor inmigrante especial (SIJS)
Definition: Protection for children abused/abandoned/neglected.
Stay of RemovalSuspensión administrativa de la deportación
Definition: Temporary halt of removal ordered by DHS or EOIR.
StowawayPolizón
Definition: Person clandestinely boarding a vessel to enter U.S.
Summary RemovalRemoción sumaria
Definition: Immediate deportation without a hearing for certain entrants.
T
T VisaVisa T (víctimas de trata humana)
Definition: Visa for victims of trafficking who cooperate with law enforcement.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS)Estatus de Protección Temporal (TPS)
Definition: Protection for nationals from conflict/disaster countries.
Third Country Transit BarBarrera por tránsito en tercer país
Definition: Rule limiting asylum for migrants passing through other countries.
Transcript of Sworn StatementTranscripción de declaración jurada
Definition: Recorded testimony taken by CBP/ICE used in asylum cases.
Travel Ban / Entry RestrictionProhibición de viaje / Restricción de entrada
Definition: Gov policy limiting entry based on country or security.
U
U Visa (Crime Victims)Visa U (víctimas de delitos)
Definition: Visa for victims of crimes assisting law enforcement.
Unlawful Presence Bar (3/10-Year)Castigo por presencia ilegal (barra de 3/10 años)
Definition: Penalty for staying unlawfully for long periods before departure.
USCISServicios de Ciudadanía e Inmigración de EE. UU.
Definition: Agency handling green cards, citizenship, and work permits.
USCIS Service CenterCentro de servicio de USCIS
Definition: Facility processing forms by mail for specific regions.
V
Visa BulletinBoletín de Visas
Definition: Monthly publication showing visa availability quotas.
Visa RevocationRevocación de visa
Definition: Cancellation of a visa by gov for security/fraud.
Visa Waiver Program (VWP)Programa de Exención de Visa (VWP)
Definition: Allows entry without visa for short visits (ESTA).
Voluntary DepartureSalida voluntaria
Definition: Permission to depart instead of being formally removed.
W
Waiver of InadmissibilityPerdón de inadmisibilidad
Definition: Legal forgiveness of grounds of inadmissibility.
Withdrawal of Admission RequestRetiro de la solicitud de admisión
Definition: Allowing a noncitizen to withdraw entry request and depart.
Withholding of RemovalSuspensión de la deportación
Definition: Protection from deportation for those facing harm.
Worksite Enforcement OperationOperativo de cumplimiento en lugares de trabajo
Definition: ICE raid targeting undocumented workers or employers.
X
X-ClassificationClasificación X (código interno del DHS)
Definition: Internal designation for confidential security categories.
Y
Youth in Immigration CustodyJóvenes bajo custodia migratoria
Definition: Minors held during processing (Flores protections).
Z
Zero-Tolerance EnforcementPolítica de tolerancia cero en inmigración
Definition: Approach mandating strict prosecution of entry cases.
Zone of Control (Border)Zona de control (seguridad fronteriza)
Definition: Area near border where authorities monitor and process.