Define: Alien

Alien
Alien
Quick Summary of Alien

In legal terms, an “alien” refers to a person who is not a citizen or national of the country in which they reside. Aliens are typically categorised based on their legal status, which may include lawful permanent residents, temporary residents, refugees, or undocumented immigrants. Each category of aliens may have different rights, privileges, and obligations under the law, including those related to employment, taxation, education, and immigration status. The legal status of aliens is subject to the laws and regulations of the host country, and they may be subject to deportation or removal if they violate immigration laws or commit certain criminal offenses.

What is the dictionary definition of Alien?
Dictionary Definition of Alien

A foreign-born person who has not qualified as a citizen of the country.

  1. n. a person who is not a citizen of the country.
  2. in the United States any person born in another country to parents who are not American and who has not become a naturalized citizen. There are resident aliens officially permitted to live in the country and illegal aliens who have sneaked into the country or stayed beyond the time allowed on a visa.
  3. v. to convey title to property.
Full Definition Of Alien

Alien refers to a term used in immigration law to describe a person who is not a citizen or national of the country in which they reside. The term is commonly used to refer to individuals who are residing in a country temporarily, such as tourists or students, as well as those who are residing in a country without legal authorization, commonly known as undocumented or illegal immigrants.

The legal status of aliens is governed by the immigration laws of the country in which they are residing. These laws typically outline the requirements and procedures for entering and staying in the country, as well as the rights and responsibilities of aliens while they are there.

Aliens may be subject to various restrictions and conditions, such as obtaining a visa or permit to enter the country, maintaining valid documentation, and complying with immigration regulations. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in penalties, including deportation or removal from the country.

Additionally, aliens may have limited access to certain rights and benefits that are typically available to citizens, such as voting or accessing certain government services. However, they are generally entitled to basic human rights and protections under international law.

It is important to note that the term “alien” can carry negative connotations and is sometimes considered derogatory. Many countries have moved towards using more inclusive and neutral terms, such as “non-citizen” or “foreign national,” to refer to individuals who are not citizens or nationals of the country.

Much of U.S. immigration relates to policies and law related to the legal status of aliens within the country.

Under UK law, the term ‘alien’ is defined by exclusion: any individual who is neither a British citizen nor a member of any one of several non-citizen ‘privileged’ groups in the UK, is considered an alien. The term ‘alien’ itself is ordinarily used to refer to a foreign national present in the UK.

On the whole, the law assumes that aliens are subject to the same legal rights and responsibilities as citizens of the UK, but with the following exceptions:

  1. Non-EU aliens have no right to vote in UK elections or become MPs.
  2. Non-EU aliens have no right to work, except where a permit has been properly granted.
  3. Non-EU aliens must register their whereabouts with the police during prolonged stays in the UK.

Any alien who engages in a criminal act may be deported.

Overview

The federal immigration laws determine whether a person is an alien. Generally, a person born in a foreign country is an alien, but a child born in a foreign nation to parents who are U.S. citizens is a U.S. citizen. The term alien also refers to a native-born U.S. citizen who has relinquished U.S. citizenship by living and acquiring citizenship in another country. Aliens are categorized in several ways: resident and nonresident, immigrant and nonimmigrant documented, and undocumented (“illegal”).

Related Phrases
Disclaimer

This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

This glossary post was last updated: 28th March, 2024.

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