Who is an immigrant?
Learn more about different immigration statuses in the U.S. When doing research, you should think carefully about the immigration statuses of the community members with whom you are working and how their legal situations might impact your ethical considerations.
An immigrant is a person living in an country other than that of their birth. The term “immigrant” is not a universal way to refer to those living in another country. Some other terms include “migrant”, “international migrant”, and “foreign-born.”
Permanent Resident
Permanent residents are legal residents, though not citizens, of their new country. Permanent residence can be acquired through many different routes: employment, family relationships, and more. This status is usually a prerequisite to applying for citizenship. This status never expires and many immigrants choose to remain at this stage of immigration. Also synonymous with green-card holders.
Twilight Status
This status, also referred to as liminal legal status, is when immigrants are protected from deportation for a temporary period and are allowed to work. In the U.S., twilight statuses include individuals under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
Naturalized Citizens
Immigrants can apply to naturalized and acquire the benefits and responsibilities of citizenship in their chosen country. Those who have met the requirements and passed any exams necessary are now citizens of their chosen country.
Refugee/Asylee
These immigrants were forced to flee because they were unable to count on the protection of their government. A migrant must show proof that they were persecuted based on race, religion, ethnicity, political beliefs, or membership of a social group. Refugees can obtain legal status by petitioning for it after they arrive in a country where they plan to stay and resettle.
Undocumented
These are immigrants who are unlawfully present in a country, whether entering illegally or overstaying a visa permit. In the US, undocumented immigrants have access to basic services such as school and emergency medical care, but do not reap the benefits of residency or citizenship.
Sources
Bolter, Jessica. “Explainer: Who Is an Immigrant?” migrationpolicy.org. Migration Policy Institute, June 10, 2019. https://www.migrationpolicy.org/content/explainer-who-immigrant.
Lichter, Daniel T. 2012. “Immigration and the New Racial Diversity in Rural America*: Immigration and the New Racial Diversity in Rural America.” Rural Sociology 77 (1): 3–35. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1549-0831.2012.00070.x.