What is “immigration”?
Immigration is the act of coming to a foreign country to live. Throughout history, people have moved from country to country for many reasons. Many immigrants have an easier adjustment if they settle near others from their homeland. Through the years, a number of large cities have developed ethnic neighborhoods, many of whose residents are immigrants from the same country.
Immigration is the formal name for the procedure by which non-citizens enter the United States. People come to America from all corners of the world. Some come on vacation, to see the sights, to explore the country. They are called “tourists” in the immigration nomenclature. Others come for business purposes: to work on a specific assignment; to take a permanent job; to study and get certified in a particular profession. These people may enter the country on a work permit; a special visa; or a student visa. Finally, there are people who come to the United States to obtain citizenship. They may enter on a residency permit, and eventually gain status as a permanent resident, and ultimately as a citizen. Each of these categories is discussed below.
