Undocumented ("Illegal") Immigrants

An immigrant who either entered the United States without inspection, or stayed in the U.S. beyond the permitted amount of time on a visa or other authorized visit, is referred to under the law as an "undocumented" alien or immigrant. In everyday slang, that person is usually called an "illegal" alien or immigrant.

The immigration law both provides some limited opportunities for undocumented immigrants to eventually become permanent residents (green card holders) and contains some penalties for their past immigration violations.