Basic Immigration Concepts: Difference between revisions
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''' | This article explains some '''basic immigration concepts'''—terms, numbers, documents, and federal agencies that you will hear about in the U.S. immigration system. Understanding these terms can make it easier to read immigration documents and understand the immigration process. | ||
== '''Caution!''' == | |||
U.S. immigration laws, policies, and practices continue to change rapidly in 2026. Before making any decisions, consult an immigration attorney. One way to find an attorney is through the [https://www.ailalawyer.com American Immigration Lawyers Association Find an Immigration Lawyer]. | |||
== A-Number == | == A-Number == | ||
| Line 13: | Line 17: | ||
An A-Number may appear on immigration documents issued by [https://www.uscis.gov/ U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)], including: | An A-Number may appear on immigration documents issued by [https://www.uscis.gov/ U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)], including: | ||
* | * green cards | ||
* work permits | * work permits | ||
* visas | * visas, and | ||
* USCIS notices | * USCIS notices | ||
| Line 58: | Line 62: | ||
An NTA may be issued by [https://www.ice.gov/ U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)] or [https://www.uscis.gov/ U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)]. | An NTA may be issued by [https://www.ice.gov/ U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)] or [https://www.uscis.gov/ U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)]. | ||
== External Links == | |||
== External | |||
* [https://www.uscis.gov/ U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services] | * [https://www.uscis.gov/ U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services] | ||
Latest revision as of 20:49, 1 November 2026
This article explains some basic immigration concepts—terms, numbers, documents, and federal agencies that you will hear about in the U.S. immigration system. Understanding these terms can make it easier to read immigration documents and understand the immigration process.
Caution!
U.S. immigration laws, policies, and practices continue to change rapidly in 2026. Before making any decisions, consult an immigration attorney. One way to find an attorney is through the American Immigration Lawyers Association Find an Immigration Lawyer.
A-Number
An A-Number (Alien Registration Number) is a unique identification number used by U.S. immigration agencies. It allows the federal government to identify a noncitizen and track the person's immigration history and records.
An A-Number is usually nine digits long. Some older A-Numbers have seven or eight digits.
An A-Number is connected to the person's A-File.
Where to find an A-Number
An A-Number may appear on immigration documents issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), including:
- green cards
- work permits
- visas, and
- USCIS notices
An A-Number may also appear on documents issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), such as a Notice to Appear.
A-File
An A-File (Alien File) is a person's official immigration record. A noncitizen who has interacted with a U.S. immigration authority may have an A-File.
A-Files are maintained by federal immigration agencies, including:
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
For example, a person may have an A-File if they applied for an immigration benefit in the United States or were detained after entering the United States without authorization.
Federal immigration agencies
Several federal agencies have different responsibilities within the U.S. immigration system.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the federal agency that oversees lawful immigration to the United States.
USCIS processes many immigration and naturalization applications and petitions and establishes policies related to immigration services.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is a federal law enforcement agency within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Among its responsibilities is enforcing federal immigration laws.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Its responsibilities include enforcing immigration laws at U.S. borders and inspecting travelers at ports of entry.
Notice to Appear (NTA)
A Notice to Appear (NTA) is an immigration document used to begin removal (deportation) proceedings in immigration court.
An NTA directs a noncitizen to appear in immigration court, where an immigration judge considers whether the person may remain lawfully in the United States.
An NTA may be issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
External Links
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Sources
- Basic Immigration Concepts, TexasLawHelp.org. Archived by the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine on September 29, 2026.