Immigration and Labor Terminology

The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) is the primary federal law that governs immigration in the United States. It sets forth the legal framework for the admission, exclusion, and removal of non-citizens, as well as the naturalization of foreign nationals.

Naturalization is the process by which an individual becomes a citizen of a country. It typically involves meeting certain requirements, such as residing in the country for a specified period of time, passing a citizenship test, and demonstrating proficiency in the country's language.

Immigration is the movement of people from one country to another. It can be voluntary or involuntary, and it can occur for a variety of reasons, such as economic opportunity, political asylum, or family reunification.

Emigration is the movement of people from their country of origin to another country. It can be voluntary or involuntary, and it can occur for a variety of reasons, such as economic opportunity, political asylum, or family reunification.

Repatriation is the movement of people back to their country of origin. It can be voluntary or involuntary, and it can occur for a variety of reasons, such as economic hardship, political instability, or family reunification.

A visa is a document issued by a country that allows an individual to enter and remain in the country for a temporary period of time. Visas can be issued for a variety of purposes, such as tourism, business, or study.

A Green Card is a document that allows an individual to live and work permanently in a country. It is also known as a Permanent Resident Card.

Naturalization is the process by which an individual is granted citizenship in a country. It typically involves meeting certain requirements, such as residing in the country for a specified period of time, passing a citizenship test, and demonstrating proficiency in the country's language.

Deportation is the process by which an individual is removed from a country. It is typically used to remove individuals who have violated immigration laws or who are considered to be a threat to national security.

Exclusion is the process by which an individual is prevented from entering a country. It is typically used to prevent individuals who are considered to be inadmissible, such as those who have criminal records or who are considered to be a threat to national security.

Repatriation is the process by which an individual is allowed to return to a country after being deported or excluded. It is typically granted on humanitarian grounds or for national security reasons.

Employment Authorization is the process by which an individual is allowed to work in a country. It is typically granted to individuals who have a valid visa or Green Card.

A Work Permit is a document that allows an individual to work in a specific job in a country. It is typically issued to individuals who do not have a valid visa or Green Card.

A Labor Certification is a document that certifies that there is a shortage of qualified workers in a specific occupation in a country. It is typically required for employers to hire foreign workers.

A Guest Worker Program is a program that allows employers to recruit and hire foreign workers for temporary employment in a country.