resident aliens

Resident aliens are foreign nationals who have legal permission to live permanently in a country where they are not citizens.

In the United States, the term specifically refers to holders of green cards, who have most rights of citizens except voting in federal elections and serving on juries.

The phrase carries bureaucratic weight in immigration law and tax contexts: Resident aliens must file annual tax returns just like U.S. citizens.

Despite the clinical sound, it simply distinguishes permanent residents from tourists, temporary visa holders, and undocumented immigrants.