All Persons in the U.S. have an immigration status. These are:

• U.S. Citizen - U.S. citizenship is usually gained by persons at birth in the US. It also may be gained by birth to U.S. citizen parents or through naturalization.
• Permanent Resident - A permanent resident can be called an "Immigrant". Permanent residency gives an alien the right to reside permanently in the US while maintaining his/her own non-US citizenship. Generally permanent residents are the only ones eligible for naturalization.
• Temporary Resident - Generally temporary residents are persons who have apllied for legalization or amnesty. A temporary resident eventually becomes a permanent resident or loses resident status.
• Nonimmigrant - An alien who comes to the U.S. temporarily for some purpose such as study, business or tourism. Normally a nonimmigrant leaves the U.S. at a determined time although it is possible to change status while in the U.S.
• Asylee - A person who has been granted asylum but has not yet been granted permanent residency.
• Temporary Protected Status - Persons from designated countries who have been granted the right to remain and work in the U.S. for a specified time. This is generally due to adverse and extraordinary circumstances in their home country.
• Out of Status - Usually a nonimmigrant who entered the U.S. with legal status but who has violated the terms of admission (e.g. overstay).
• Undocumented Alien - Person who has entered the U.S. illegally (without valid entry status or documentation).