USCIS

green card

U.S. residency document

• work permitOfficial employment eligibility document
• adjustment of statusImmigration category transition
• extensionAdded part or duration
• overstayRemain beyond appropriate duration

pending · approved · denied · revoked · parole · deferred action · TPS · DACA

citizenship

Status as state member

• oath ceremonyRitual of formal promises
• civics testGovernment knowledge examination
• English testAssessment of language proficiency
• interviewFormal questioning session

eligibility · physical presence · good moral character · allegiance · swearing-in · naturalization certificate · renunciation · dual citizenship

backlog

Accumulated unfinished work

• adjudicationFormal decision on disputes
• queueOrdered waiting line
• red tapeBureaucratic obstacles to action
• delaysPauses before proceeding

application · petition · approval · denial · appeal · service center · field office · customer service

I-94

Numbered east-west freeway

• I-20Major southern interstate
• I-90Major east-west interstate
• biometricsBody-based identity verification
• filingStoring documents systematically

evidence · fee waiver · receipt number

asylum

Shelter from persecution

• refugeePerson fleeing danger abroad
• TPSTechnical three-letter abbreviation
• persecutionSystematic mistreatment of groups
• asyleeGranted-sanctuary immigrant

deportation

Legal expulsion from country

• immigration courtTribunal for deportation proceedings
• ICEImmigration enforcement bureau
• detainerWrit prolonging custody
• barDrinking establishment

waiver · bond hearing · detention · inadmissibility

H-1B

Specialty occupation work authorization

• F-1Academic entry authorization
• K-1Kindergarten through first grade
• B-1Supersonic strategic bomber
• B-2Stealth strategic bomber

M-1 · immigrant visa · student visa · work visa · tourist visa