Undocumented immigrants (sometimes called "illegal aliens") live, work, and raise families in cities and towns across the United States. For some, the immigration laws provide avenues to eventually obtain a U.S. green card. Others live with the knowledge that if they are picked up by immigration authorities or, in some cases, arrested by the police, they will be placed into removal proceedings and deported. Find out more about an undocumented immigrants rights and possibilities here.
More people fit the undocumented immigrant category than you might think.
If you've found a job, you'll be asked to fill out a Form I-9 -- but watch out, checking a box showing that you're a U.S. citizen or national can lead to trouble later.
Are sanctuary cities a safe haven for undocumented immigrants? Find out the details.
Attempting to enter the U.S. without permission after a past deportation or one year's total stay in the U.S. results in permanent inadmissibility.
Know your rights if you're an undocumented person picked up by ICE or other U.S. government agents.
What you should know if a friend or family member has been picked up and held by ICE.
What immigration programs currently offer opportunities for undocumented ("illegal") immigrants.
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At Nolo, we prioritize quality and transparency because we know how important reliable legal information is to our readers. Our information is meticulously researched, regularly updated, and written in plain English by our experienced writers and editors. Learn more about our editorial standards.