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Glossary

Glossary

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I

Illegal Aliens:
Under Title 8 Section 1325 of the U.S. Code, "Improper Entry by Alien," an illegal alien is any citizen of any country other than the United States who:

  • Enters or attempts to enter the United States at any time or place other than as designated by immigration officers; or
  • Eludes examination or inspection by immigration officers; or
  • Attempts to enter or obtains entry to the United States by a willfully false or misleading representation or the willful concealment of a material fact; or
  • Has committed a Federal crime.

Violations are punishable by criminal fines and imprisonment for up to six months. Repeat offenses can bring up to two years in prison. Additional civil fines may be imposed at the discretion of immigration judges, but civil fines do not negate the criminal sanctions or nature of the offense.
Source: Federation for American Immigration Reform

Immigrant (Permanent Resident Alien):
This is an alien admitted to the United States as a lawful permanent resident. Permanent residents are also commonly referred to as immigrants; however, the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) broadly defines an immigrant as any alien in the United States, except one legally admitted under specific nonimmigrant categories (INA section 101(a)(15)). An illegal alien who entered the United States without inspection, for example, would be strictly defined as an immigrant under the INA but is not a permanent resident alien. Lawful permanent residents are legally accorded the privilege of residing permanently in the United States. They may be issued immigrant visas by the Department of State overseas or adjusted to permanent resident status by the U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in the United States.
Source: U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Immigration and Naturalization Service:
See U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Income:
There is no universal administrative definition of "income" that is valid for all programs that use poverty guidelines. The office or organization that administers a particular program or activity is responsible for making decisions about the definition of "income" used by that program (to the extent that the definition is not already contained in legislation or regulations). To find out the specific definition of "income" used by a particular program or activity, one must consult the office or organization that administers that program.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation

Individual Responsibility Plan (IRP):
Every State requires TANF applicants and recipients to complete an Individual Responsibility Plan (IRP). Most IRPs include provisions to require immunization, school attendance, and cooperation with child support enforcement.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Family Assistance