S Folinsky

Much of immigration law terminology is to be found in the Immigration & Nationality Act of 1952 As Amended. In particular, the definition in section 101(a) & (b) (parallel cite of 8 US Code sec 1101). The term “green card” appears nowhere in the Act. However, sec 101(a)(20) has the following definition:

“(20) The term "lawfully admitted for permanent residence" means the status of having been lawfully accorded the privilege of residing permanently in the United States as an immigrant in accordance with the immigration laws, such status not having changed.”

Based upon this the term “LPR” is often used by immigration cognoscenti. The immigration numerology can also be confusing. “Adjustment of Status” is found at section 245 of the Act and involves form I-485. Hence the numbers 245 and 485 are often sed interchangeably.