LEGAL LANGUAGE SERVICES

Frequently Asked Questions on Immigration and Naturalization

Q. What is a Nonimmigrant?

A. A nonimmigrant is a person coming to the US for a limited period of time who intends to return to another country after the stay in the US ends. Also, a class or type of visa issued for a nonimmigrant purpose such as visitor, student, diplomat, and others.

Q. What is a Nonimmigrant Visa?

A. A nonimmigrant visa is a visa that allows a nonimmigrant to remain within the United States for a particular purpose. A nonimmigrant visa for a particular category is valid for entry only for the purpose for which it was originally issued. For example, a student visa cannot be used for entry as a visitor, nor can the possessor of a visitor visa enter to study. A visa is not a guarantee of entry into the United States. The bearer of a visa is subject to inspection at the port of entry by US Immigration officials who have authority to deny admission.

Therefore, the recipient of a visa should carry with him/her, for possible presentation to immigration inspectors, the evidence submitted to the consular officer when the visa was obtained. The validity period shown in a nonimmigrant visa relates only to the period during which it may be used in making application for admission into the United States, it does not indicate the length of time the alien may spend in the United States. The U.S. Immigration authorities at the port of entry determine the period for which the bearer of a nonimmigrant visa is authorized to remain in the United States. A nonimmigrant that remains in the United States beyond the period for which he/she has been granted permission to stay may become subject to deportation.

Q. What is a Permanent Resident?

A. A status held by a person after qualifying and being registered by the Immigration Service. This  status allows the person to live permanently in the US, to travel in and out without a visa, to work at any job, to accumulate time toward US citizenship. The status is shown by possession of an identification card commonly called a green card.

Q. Is it possible to be a dual citizen of the United States of America and another country?

A. Yes. If you have been a dual citizen from birth or childhood, or you became a citizen of another country after already having US citizenship, you may qualify for duel citizenship. As long as the other country in question does not have any laws or regulations requiring you to formally renounce your US citizenship before US consular officials, then current US law unambiguously assures your right to keep both citizenships for life.