8 U.S.C. 1101: Definitions

2023

• Pub. L. 117–360, §2(a), amended subpar. (C) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (C) read as follows: "an alien in immediate and continuous transit through the United States, or an alien who qualifies as a person entitled to pass in transit to and from the United Nations Headq… Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 117–360, §2(b), added cl. (iii). Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 117–263, §5902(b), inserted "(or, in the case of an alien who acquired the relevant nationality through a financial investment and who has not previously been granted status under this subparagraph, the foreign state of which the alien is a national and in which the alie… Law text · (a)

2021

• Pub. L. 117–31 substituted "an immigrant who—" for "an immigrant who", designated remainder of existing provisions as cl. (i), inserted "or" at end, and added cl. (ii). Law text · (a)

2014

• Pub. L. 113–76 substituted "who is at least 25 years of age, at least 1 of whom personally saw and observed the child before or during the adoption proceedings;" for "at least twenty-five years of age, who personally saw and observed the child prior to or during the adoption p… Law text · (b)

2013

• Pub. L. 113–4, §1221, inserted ", or any adult or minor children of a derivative beneficiary of the alien, as" after "18 years of age". Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 113–4, §§801, 1222, inserted "stalking;" after "sexual exploitation;" and "fraud in foreign labor contracting (as defined in section 1351 of title 18);" after "perjury;". Law text · (a)

2012

• Pub. L. 112–176 substituted "September 30, 2015" for "September 30, 2012". Law text · (a), (III)

2010

• Pub. L. 111–306, §1(a)(1), substituted "an accredited language" for "a language". Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 111–306, §1(a)(2), added par. (52). Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 111–287 amended subpar. (G) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (G) provided that the term "child" includes a child who is migrating from certain foreign states to the United States to be adopted if the Attorney General is satisfied that certain criteria are met. Law text · (b)

2009

• Pub. L. 111–83 substituted "September 30, 2012," for "September 30, 2009,". Law text · (a), (III)
• Pub. L. 111–9 substituted "September 30, 2009," for "March 6, 2009,". Law text · (a), (III)

2008

• Pub. L. 110–229, §702(j)(1), inserted "or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands" after "Guam" in two places. Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 110–457, §201(a)(1)(A), substituted "Security, in consultation with the Attorney General," for "Security and the Attorney General jointly;" in introductory provisions. Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 110–457, §201(a)(1)(B), substituted semicolon for comma at end. Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 110–457, §201(a)(1)(C), inserted at end "including physical presence on account of the alien having been allowed entry into the United States for participation in investigative or judicial processes associated with an act or a perpetrator of trafficking;". Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 110–457, §201(a)(1)(D)(i), (iii), added item (bb). Former item (bb) redesignated (cc). Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 110–457, §201(a)(1)(D)(ii), (iv), redesignated item (bb) as (cc) and substituted "; and" for ", and". Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 110–457, §201(a)(2), added subcl. (III). Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 110–457, §201(a)(1)(E), (3), struck out cl. (iii) which read as follows: "if the Secretary of Homeland Security, in his or her discretion and with the consultation of the Attorney General, determines that a trafficking victim, due to psychological or physical trauma… Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 110–391 substituted "March 6, 2009," for "October 1, 2008,". Law text · (a), (III)
• Pub. L. 110–457, §235(d)(1)(A), substituted "State, or an individual or entity appointed by a State or juvenile court located in the United States, and whose reunification with 1 or both of the immigrant's parents is not viable due to abuse, neglect, abandonment, or a similar… Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 110–457, §235(d)(1)(B)(i), substituted "the Secretary of Homeland Security consents to the grant of special immigrant juvenile status," for "the Attorney General expressly consents to the dependency order serving as a precondition to the grant of special immigrant j… Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 110–457, §235(d)(1)(B)(ii), substituted "in the custody of the Secretary of Health and Human Services unless the Secretary of Health and Human Services specifically consents to such jurisdiction;" for "in the actual or constructive custody of the Attorney General… Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 110–229, §702(j)(2), (3), substituted "the Virgin Islands of the United States, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands" for "and the Virgin Islands of the United States". Law text · (a), (38)

2006

• Pub. L. 109–248, which directed insertion of "(other than a citizen described in section 1154(a)(1)(A)(viii)(I) of this title)" after "citizen of the United States" each place appearing in section 101(a)(15)(K), without specifying the Act to be amended, was executed to … Law text · (a), (ii)
• Pub. L. 109–162, §801(a)(1)(A), substituted "Secretary of Homeland Security, or in the case of subclause (III)(aa) the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Attorney General jointly;" for "Attorney General". Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 109–162, §801(a)(1)(B)(i), inserted "Federal, State, or local" before "investigation". Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 109–162, §801(a)(1)(B)(ii), which directed substitution of "or the investigation of crime where acts of trafficking are at least one central reason for the commission of that crime; or" for ", or", was executed by making the substitution for ", or" the second time appearing to reflect the p… Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 109–162, §801(a)(1)(C), struck out "and" at end. Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 109–162, §801(a)(2), amended cl. (ii) generally. Prior to amendment, cl. (ii) read as follows: "if the Attorney General considers it necessary to avoid extreme hardship— Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 109–162, §801(a)(3), added cl. (iii). Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 109–162, §801(b)(1), substituted "Secretary of Homeland Security" for "Attorney General". Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 109–162, §801(b)(2), amended cl. (ii) generally. Prior to amendment, cl. (ii) read as follows: "if the Attorney General considers it necessary to avoid extreme hardship to the spouse, the child, or, in the case of an alien child, the parent of the alien described in … Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 109–162, §811, added par. (51). Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 109–162, §805(d), inserted before colon "or if the child has been battered or subject to extreme cruelty by the adopting parent or by a family member of the adopting parent residing in the same household". Law text · (b)
• Pub. L. 109–162, §822(c)(1), substituted "(10)(A)" for "(9)(A)". Law text · (f)
• Pub. L. 109–162, §801(c)(1), substituted "Secretary of Homeland Security, the Attorney General," for "Attorney General". Law text · (i)
• Pub. L. 109–162, §801(c)(2), substituted "Secretary of Homeland Security" for "Attorney General". Law text · (i)

2005

• Pub. L. 109–13 added cl. (iii). Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 109–90 substituted ", agriculture as defined in section 203(f) of title 29, and the pressing of apples for cider on a farm," for "and agriculture as defined in section 203(f) of title 29," and made technical amendment to reference in original act which appears in … Law text · (a)

2004

• Pub. L. 108–449, §1(b)(1), substituted "Secretary of Homeland Security" for "Attorney General" in two places, "citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, 21 to 35 years of age, unemployed for not less than 12 months, and having a residence for not less than 18 mon… Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 108–449, §1(a)(2)(B), amended Pub. L. 105–319, §2(d)(2). See 1998 Amendment note below. Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 108–458 added par. (9). Law text · (f)

2003

• Pub. L. 108–77, §§107(c), 402(a)(1), temporarily substituted "1182(n)(1) of this title, or (b1) who is entitled to enter the United States under and in pursuance of the provisions of an agreement listed in section 1184(g)(8)(A) of this title, who is engaged in a specialty occ… Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 108–193, §8(a)(1)(A), (B), substituted "1184(o) of this title," for "1184(n) of this title," and realigned margins. Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 108–193, §4(b)(1)(A), substituted "18 years of age," for "15 years of age,". Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 108–193, §4(b)(1)(B), inserted "unmarried siblings under 18 years of age on the date on which such alien applied for status under such clause," before "and parents". Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 108–193, §8(a)(1)(A), (C), substituted "1184(p) of this title," for "1184(o) of this title," in cl. (i) and realigned margins. Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 108–193, §8(a)(1)(D), substituted "1184(q) of this title," for "1184(o) of this title," in introductory provisions. Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 108–99 substituted "2008," for "2003,". Law text · (a), (III)
• Pub. L. 108–193, §4(b)(5), amended cl. (iii) generally. Prior to amendment, cl. (iii) read as follows: "is described in section 1581, 1582, 1583, 1584, 1585, or 1588 of title 18 (relating to peonage, slavery, and involuntary servitude);". Law text · (a)

2002

• Pub. L. 107–274, §2(a), added cls. (ii) and (iii) and struck out former cl. (ii) which read as follows: "and (ii) the alien spouse and minor children of any such alien if accompanying him or following to join him;". (Border Commuter Student Act of 2002) Law text · (a), (iii)
• Pub. L. 107–125 inserted "subject to section 1184(c)(2) of this title," before "an alien who". Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 107–274, §2(b), added cls. (ii) and (iii) and struck out former cl. (ii) which read as follows: "and (ii) the alien spouse and minor children of any such alien if accompanying him or following to join him;". (Border Commuter Student Act of 2002) Law text · (a), (iii)

2000

• Pub. L. 106–553, §1(a)(2) [title XI, §1103(a)], amended subpar. (K) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (K) read as follows: "an alien who is the fiancée or fiancé of a citizen of the United States and who seeks to enter the United States solely to conclude a valid marriage w… (District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2001) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 106–386, §107(e)(1), added subpar. (T). (Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 106–386, §1513(b), added subpar. (U). (Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 106–553, §1(a)(2) [title XI, §1102(a)], added subpar. (V). (District of Columbia Appropriations Act, 2001) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 106–409 substituted "2003," for "2000,". (Religious Workers Act of 2000) Law text · (a), (III)
• Pub. L. 106–536 added subpar. (M). Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 106–386, §1503(a), added par. (50). (Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 106–279, §302(a), added subpar. (G). (Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000) Law text · (b)
• Pub. L. 106–279, §302(c), inserted "and paragraph (1)(G)(i)" after "second proviso therein)". (Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000) Law text · (b)
• Pub. L. 106–395 inserted at end: "In the case of an alien who makes a false statement or claim of citizenship, or who registers to vote or votes in a Federal, State, or local election (including an initiative, recall, or referendum) in violation of a lawful restriction of such registra… (Child Citizenship Act of 2000) Law text · (f)
• Pub. L. 106–386, §107(e)(4), added subsec. (i). (Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000) Law text · (i)

1999

• Pub. L. 106–95, §2(c), struck out subcl. (a) which read as follows: "who is coming temporarily to the United States to perform services as a registered nurse, who meets the qualifications described in section 1182(m)(1) of this title, and with respect to whom the Secretary… (Nursing Relief for Disadvantaged Areas Act of 1999) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 106–95, §2(a), added subcl. (c). (Nursing Relief for Disadvantaged Areas Act of 1999) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 106–139, §1(a)(1), designated existing provisions as cl. (i) and added cl. (ii). Law text · (b)
• Pub. L. 106–139, §1(a)(2), designated existing provisions as cl. (i), substituted "; or" for period at end, and added cl. (ii). Law text · (b)
• Pub. L. 106–139, §1(b)(1), substituted "16 years (except to the extent that the child is described in subparagraph (E)(ii) or (F)(ii) of subsection (b)(1))," for "sixteen years,". Law text · (c)

1998

• Pub. L. 105–277, §2222(e), inserted "or employee" after "other officer" and "or, when used in subchapter III, for the purpose of adjudicating nationality" before period at end. (Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 105–277, §421(b), inserted "(or under analogous authority under paragraph (27)(L))" after "(27)(I)(i)" in cl. (i) and after "(27)(I)" in cl. (ii). (Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 105–319, §2(e)(2), formerly §2(d)(2), renumbered §2(e)(2) and amended Pub. L. 108–449, §1(a)(2)(B), (3)(A), struck out cl. (i) designation before "an alien having a residence" and struck out at end: "or (ii)(I) an alien citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ir… (Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program Act of 1998) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 105–319, §2(b)(1), designated existing provisions as cl. (i) and added cl. (ii). (Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program Act of 1998) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 105–277, §421(a), added subpar. (L). (Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1999) Law text · (a)

1997

• Pub. L. 105–54 substituted "2000" for "1997". Law text · (a), (III)
• Pub. L. 105–119 amended subpar. (J) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (J) read as follows: "an immigrant (i) who has been declared dependent on a juvenile court located in the United States or whom such a court has legally committed to, or placed under the custody of, an ag… (Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1998) Law text · (a)

1996

• Pub. L. 104–208, §104(a), inserted at end "Such regulations shall provide that (A) each such document include a biometric identifier (such as the fingerprint or handprint of the alien) that is machine readable and (B) an alien presenting a border crossing identification card is not … (Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 104–208, §301(a), amended par. (13) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (13) read as follows: "The term 'entry' means any coming of an alien into the United States, from a foreign port or place or from an outlying possession, whether voluntarily or otherwise, except that an… (Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 104–208, §625(a)(2), inserted "consistent with section 1184(l) of this title" after "such a course of study". (Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 104–208, §308(f)(1)(A), substituted "admission" for "entry". (Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 104–208, §671(a)(3)(B), substituted "section 1184(k)" for "section 1184(j)" in introductory provisions. (Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 104–208, §308(d)(4)(A), substituted "expulsion, or removal" for "or expulsion". (Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 104–208, §308(f)(1)(B), substituted "admission" for "entry". (Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 104–208, §601(a)(1), inserted at end "For purposes of determinations under this chapter, a person who has been forced to abort a pregnancy or to undergo involuntary sterilization, or who has been persecuted for failure or refusal to undergo such a procedure or for other res… (Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 104–208, §321(b), inserted at end of concluding provisions "Notwithstanding any other provision of law (including any effective date), the term applies regardless of whether the conviction was entered before, on, or after September 30, 1996." (Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 104–208, §321(a)(1), inserted ", rape, or sexual abuse of a minor" after "murder". (Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 104–208, §321(a)(2), substituted "$10,000" for "$100,000". (Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 104–208, §322(a)(2)(A), struck out "imposed (regardless of any suspension of imprisonment)" after "term of imprisonment". (Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 104–208, §321(a)(3), substituted "at least one year" for "is at least 5 years". (Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 104–208, §322(a)(2)(A), which directed amendment of subpar. (G) by striking out "imposed (regardless of any suspension of imprisonment)", was executed by striking out "imposed (regardless of any suspension of such imprisonment)" after "term of imprisonment" to reflect th… (Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 104–208, §321(a)(3), substituted "at least one year" for "is at least 5 years". (Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 104–208, §321(a)(4), substituted "sentence of one year imprisonment" for "sentence of 5 years' imprisonment". (Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 104–132, §440(e)(1), inserted ", or an offense described in section 1084 (if it is a second or subsequent offense) or 1955 of that title (relating to gambling offenses)," after "corrupt organizations)". (Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 104–132, §440(e)(2)(A), struck out "or" at end. (Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 104–208, §671(b)(5), struck out comma after "1588". (Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 104–208, §321(a)(5), inserted "if committed" before "for commercial advantage". (Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 104–132, §440(e)(2)(C), added cl. (ii). Former cl. (ii) redesignated (iii). (Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 104–132, §440(e)(2)(B), redesignated cl. (ii) as (iii). (Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 104–208, §321(a)(6), added cl. (iii). (Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 104–208, §321(a)(7), substituted "$10,000" for "$200,000" in cls. (i) and (ii). (Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 104–208, §322(a)(2)(A), which directed amendment of subpar. (N) by striking "imposed (regardless of any suspension of imprisonment)", could not be executed because that phrase did not appear subsequent to amendment by Pub. L. 104–208, §321(a)(8). See below. (Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 104–208, §321(a)(8), substituted ", except in the case of a first offense for which the alien has affirmatively shown that the alien committed the offense for the purpose of assisting, abetting, or aiding only the alien's spouse, child, or parent (and no other individual) to violate a provi… (Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 104–208, §321(a)(3), substituted "at least one year" for "is at least 5 years". (Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 104–132, §440(e)(3), amended subpar. (N) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (N) read as follows: "an offense described in section 274(a)(1) of title 18, United States Code (relating to alien smuggling) for the purpose of commercial advantage;". (Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 104–132, §440(e)(7), added subpar. (O). (Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 104–132, §440(e)(6), redesignated subpar. (O) as (P). (Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 104–132, §440(e)(4), amended subpar. (O) generally. Prior to amendment subpar. (O) read as follows: "an offense described in section 1546(a) of title 18 (relating to document fraud) which constitutes trafficking in the documents described in such section for which the term of imprisonment i… (Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 104–208, §322(a)(2)(A), which directed amendment of subpar. (P) by striking out "imposed (regardless of any suspension of imprisonment)", was executed by striking out "imposed (regardless of any suspension of such imprisonment)" after "term of imprisonment" to reflect th… (Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 104–208, §321(a)(9), substituted "12 months, except in the case of a first offense for which the alien has affirmatively shown that the alien committed the offense for the purpose of assisting, abetting, or aiding only the alien's spouse, child, or parent (and no other individual) to violat… (Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 104–208, §321(a)(3), which directed amendment of subpar. (P) by substituting "at least one year" for "is at least 5 years", could not be executed because "is at least 5 years" did not appear subsequent to amendments by Pub. L. 104–132, §440(e)(4), (6). See above. (Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 104–132, §440(e)(6), redesignated subpar. (O) as (P). Former subpar. (P) redesignated (Q). (Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 104–132, §440(e)(5), substituted "5 years or more;" for "15 years or more; and". (Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 104–132, §440(e)(6), redesignated subpar. (P) as (Q). Former subpar. (Q) redesignated (U). (Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 104–208, §321(a)(10), substituted "for which the term of imprisonment is at least one year" for "for which a sentence of 5 years' imprisonment or more may be imposed". (Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 104–132, §440(e)(8), added subpar. (R). (Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 104–208, §321(a)(11), substituted "for which the term of imprisonment is at least one year" for "for which a sentence of 5 years' imprisonment or more may be imposed". (Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 104–132, §440(e)(8), added subpar. (S). (Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 104–132, §440(e)(8), added subpar. (T). (Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 104–132, §440(e)(6), redesignated subpar. (Q) as (U). (Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 104–132, §440(b), added par. (47). (Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 104–208, §322(a)(1), added par. (48). (Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 104–208, §361(a), added par. (49). (Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act) Law text · (a)
• Pub. L. 104–208, §371(a), amended par. (4) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (4) read as follows: "The term 'special inquiry officer' means any immigration officer who the Attorney General deems specially qualified to conduct specified classes of proceedings, in whole or in part, … (Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act) Law text · (b)
• Pub. L. 104–208, §671(e)(2), substituted "and 1432" for ", 1432, and 1433". (Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act) Law text · (c)
• Pub. L. 104–208, §308(d)(3)(A), substituted "inadmissible" for "excludable". (Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act) Law text · (f)
• Pub. L. 104–208, §308(e)(3), substituted "deported or removed" for "deported" in two places. (Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act) Law text · (g)

1995

• Pub. L. 104–51, §1(1)(A), substituted "child born in wedlock" for "legitimate child". Law text · (b)
• Pub. L. 104–51, §1(1)(B), substituted "a child born out of wedlock" for "an illegitimate child". Law text · (b)
• Pub. L. 104–51, §1(2) substituted "a child born out of wedlock" for "an illegitimate child". Law text · (b)

1994

• Pub. L. 103–236 substituted "official designated by the Secretary of State pursuant to section 1104(b) of this title" for "Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs". · (a)
• Pub. L. 103–322 added subpar. (S). · (a)
• Pub. L. 103–416, §214, substituted "1997," for "1994,". · (a), (III)
• Pub. L. 103–416, §201, inserted "or of the American Institute in Taiwan," after "Government abroad," and "(or, in the case of the American Institute in Taiwan, the Director thereof)" after "Service establishment". · (a)
• Pub. L. 103–337 inserted "or continues to be employed by the United States Government in an area of the former Canal Zone" after "employment". · (a)
• Pub. L. 103–416, §202, added subcl. (II) and struck out former subcl. (II) which read as follows: "files a petition for status under this subparagraph before January 1, 1993, and no later than six months after the date of such retirement or six months after October 24, … · (a)
• Pub. L. 103–416, §219(a), substituted "or whom such a court has legally committed to, or placed under the custody of, an agency or department of a State and who has" for "and has" before "been deemed". · (a)
• Pub. L. 103–416, §222(a), amended par. (43) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (43) read as follows: "The term 'aggravated felony' means murder, any illicit trafficking in any controlled substance (as defined in section 802 of title 21), including any drug trafficking crime as def… · (a)

1991

• Pub. L. 102–232, §309(b)(1), inserted a comma after "States)". · (a)
• Pub. L. 102–232, §303(a)(7)(A), struck out ", and had approved by," after "has filed with". · (a)
• Pub. L. 102–232, §303(a)(5)(A), inserted "subject to section 1182(j)(2) of this title," after "or (b)". · (a)
• Pub. L. 102–232, §207(b), inserted "or as a fashion model" after "section 1184(i)(1) of this title" and "or, in the case of a fashion model, is of distinguished merit and ability" after "section 1184(i)(2) of this title". · (a)
• Pub. L. 102–232, §205(b), struck out before semicolon at end ", but only if the Attorney General determines that the alien's entry into the United States will substantially benefit prospectively the United States". · (a)
• Pub. L. 102–232, §205(c), substituted "significant production (including pre- and post-production work)" for "significant principal photography". · (a)
• Pub. L. 102–232, §203(a), amended cl. (i) generally. Prior to amendment, cl. (i) read as follows: · (a)
• Pub. L. 102–232, §206(b), (c)(1), inserted "or organizations" after "and an organization" and struck out before semicolon at end ", between the United States and the foreign states involved". · (a)
• Pub. L. 102–232, §206(d), substituted "to perform, teach, or coach" for "for the purpose of performing" and inserted "commercial or noncommercial" before "program". · (a)
• Pub. L. 102–232, §303(a)(14), substituted "approved" for "designated". · (a)
• Pub. L. 102–232, §305(m)(1), struck out par. (24) which defined "naturalization court". · (a)
• Pub. L. 102–232, §302(e)(8)(A), substituted "files a petition for status" for "applies for a visa or adjustment of status". · (a), (iii)
• Pub. L. 102–110 added subpar. (K). · (a)
• Pub. L. 102–232, §306(a)(1), struck out comma before period at end of first sentence. · (a)
• Pub. L. 102–232, §205(a), added par. (46). · (a)
• Pub. L. 102–232, §309(b)(4), struck out reference to section 1434. · (c)

1990

• Pub. L. 101–649, §203(c), substituted "a capacity" for "any capacity" and inserted ", as defined in section 1288(a) of this title" after "on board a vessel". · (a)
• Pub. L. 101–649, §204(a), inserted ", including trade in services or trade in technology" after "substantial trade". · (a)
• Pub. L. 101–649, §205(e)(1), struck out "having a residence in a foreign country which he has no intention of abandoning" after "an alien". · (a)
• Pub. L. 101–649, §162(f)(2)(A), substituted "for each facility (which facility shall include the petitioner and each worksite, other than a private household worksite, if the worksite is not the alien's employer or controlled by the employer) for which the alien will perfo… · (a)
• Pub. L. 101–649, §205(c)(1), substituted "who is coming temporarily to the United States to perform services (other than services described in subclause (a) during the period in which such subclause applies and other than services described in subclause (ii)(a) or in subpa… · (a)
• Pub. L. 101–649, §205(e)(2), (3), substituted "(a) having a residence in a foreign country which he has no intention of abandoning who is coming temporarily to the United States" for "who is coming temporarily to the United States (a)", and in subcl. (b) inserted "having a r… · (a)
• Pub. L. 101–649, §205(e)(4), inserted "having a residence in a foreign country which he has no intention of abandoning" after "(iii)". · (a)
• Pub. L. 101–649, §205(d), inserted ", in a training program that is not designed primarily to provide productive employment" before semicolon at end. · (a)
• Pub. L. 101–649, §206(c), substituted "within 3 years preceding" for "immediately preceding". · (a)
• Pub. L. 101–649, §207(a), added subpars. (O) and (P). · (a), (P)
• Pub. L. 101–649, §208, added subpar. (Q). · (a)
• Pub. L. 101–649, §209(a), added subpar. (R). · (a)
• Pub. L. 101–649, §151(a), amended subpar. (C) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (C) read as follows: "(i) an immigrant who continuously for at least two years immediately preceding the time of his application for admission to the United States has been, and who seeks to ent… · (a)
• Pub. L. 101–649, §153(a), added subpar. (J). · (a)
• Pub. L. 101–649, §407(a)(2), struck out "(except as used in section 1421(a) of this title)" after "includes". · (a)
• Pub. L. 101–649, §501(a)(6), inserted "and also applies to offenses described in the previous sentence in violation of foreign law for which the term of imprisonment was completed within the previous 15 years" after "Federal or State law". · (a)
• Pub. L. 101–649, §501(a)(5), inserted at end "Such term applies to offenses described in the previous sentence whether in violation of Federal or State law." · (a)
• Pub. L. 101–649, §501(a)(4), struck out "committed within the United States" after "to commit any such act,". · (a)
• Pub. L. 101–649, §501(a)(3), inserted "any offense described in section 1956 of title 18 (relating to laundering of monetary instruments), or any crime of violence (as defined in section 16 of title 18, not including a purely political offense) for which the term of imprisonment imposed (regardless… · (a)
• Pub. L. 101–649, §501(a)(2), inserted "any illicit trafficking in any controlled substance (as defined in section 802 of title 21), including" after "murder,". · (a)
• Pub. L. 101–649, §501(a)(1), aligned margin of par. (43). · (a)
• Pub. L. 101–649, §123, added par. (44). · (a)
• Pub. L. 101–649, §204(c), added par. (45). · (a)
• Pub. L. 101–649, §603(a)(1)(A), substituted "paragraphs (2)(D), (6)(E), and (9)(A)" for "paragraphs (11), (12), and (31)". · (f)
• Pub. L. 101–649, §603(a)(1)(B), substituted "subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 1182(a)(2) of this title and subparagraph (C) thereof" for "paragraphs (9) and (10) of section 1182(a) of this title and paragraph (23)". · (f)
• Pub. L. 101–649, §509(a), substituted "an aggravated felony (as defined in subsection (a)(43))" for "the crime of murder". · (f)
• Pub. L. 101–649, §603(a)(1)(C), substituted "1182(a)(2)(E) of this title" for "1182(a)(34) of this title". · (h)
• Pub. L. 101–246 added subsec. (h). · (h)

1989

• Pub. L. 101–238 added subcl. (a), designated existing provisions as subcl. (b), and inserted "(other than services as a registered nurse)" after "to perform services". · (a)
• Pub. L. 101–162 inserted before period at end ", except that, for purposes of paragraph (1)(F) (other than the second proviso therein) in the case of an illegitimate child described in paragraph (1)(D) (and not described in paragraph (1)(C)), the term 'parent' does not include the n… · (b)

1988

• Pub. L. 100–525, §9(a)(1), substituted "Director of the United States Information Agency" for "Secretary of State". · (a)
• Pub. L. 100–525, §2(o)(1), substituted "October 24, 1988" for "November 6, 1986" and "applies for a visa or adjustment of status" for "applies for admission". · (a), (ii), (iii)
• Pub. L. 100–525, §9(a)(2), struck out "For the purpose of issuing certificates of citizenship to persons who are citizens of the United States, the term 'United States' as used in section 1452 of this title includes the Canal Zone." · (a)
• Pub. L. 100–690 added par. (43). · (a)
• Pub. L. 100–459, temporarily inserted before period at end ", except that, for purposes of paragraph (1)(F) in the case of an illegitimate child described in paragraph (1)(D) (and not described in paragraph (1)(C)), the term 'parent' does not include the natural father of the child … · (b)
• Pub. L. 100–525, §8(b), repealed Pub. L. 99–653, §3. See 1986 Amendment note below. · (c)
• Pub. L. 100–525, §9(a)(3), struck out subsec. (d) defining "veteran", "Spanish-American War", "World War I", "World War II", and "Korean hostilities" as those terms were used in part III of subchapter III of this chapter. · (d)

1986

• Pub. L. 99–505 designated existing provisions as cl. (i) and added cl. (ii). · (a)
• Pub. L. 99–603, §301(a), designated existing provisions of cl. (ii) as subcl. (b) and added subcl. (a) relating to persons performing agricultural labor or services as defined by the Secretary of Labor in regulations and including agricultural labor as defined in section 3121(g)… · (a)
• Pub. L. 99–603, §312(b), added subpar. (N). · (a)
• Pub. L. 99–603, §312(a), added subpar. (I). · (a)
• Pub. L. 99–603, §315(a), inserted "or to its natural father if the father has or had a bona fide parent-child relationship with the person". · (b)
• Pub. L. 99–653, §2, struck out "thereafter" after "the child has". · (b)
• Pub. L. 99–653, §3, which struck out par. (1) defining "child", was repealed by Pub. L. 100–525, §8(b), and such par. (1) was revived as of Nov. 14, 1986, see Repeal and Revival note below. · (c)

1981

• Pub. L. 97–116, §§2(a)(1), 18(a)(1), substituted in cl. (i) "college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution or in a language training program" for "institution of learning or other recognized place of study", a… · (a)
• Pub. L. 97–116, §18(a)(2), substituted a semicolon for a period at end of subpars. (H), (J), (K), and (L) and inserted "or" at end of subpar. (L). · (a), (J), (K), (L)
• Pub. L. 97–116, §2(a)(2), added subpar. (M). · (a)
• Pub. L. 97–116, §5(d)(1), added subpar. (H). · (a)
• Pub. L. 97–116, §18(a)(3), struck out provision that residence be considered continuous for the purposes of sections 1482 and 1484 of this title where there is a continuity of stay but not necessarily an uninterrupted physical presence in a foreign state or states or outside the Un… · (a)
• Pub. L. 97–116, §18(a)(5)(A), struck out "or" at the end. · (b), (B)
• Pub. L. 97–116, §18(a)(5)(B), substituted a semicolon for the period at end. · (b)
• Pub. L. 97–116, §§2(b), 18(a)(5)(C), substituted "sixteen" for "fourteen", and "; or" for the period at the end. · (b)
• Pub. L. 97–116, §2(b), substituted "sixteen" for "fourteen". · (b)
• Pub. L. 97–116, §2(c), struck out par. (2) which provided that a person not be considered a person of good moral character if within the period for which good moral character is required to be established the person commits adultery, and substituted in par. (3) "paragraphs (9) and (10)… · (f)

1980

• Pub. L. 96–212 added par. (42). · (a)

1979

• Pub. L. 96–70 added subpars. (E) to (G). · (a)

1977

• Pub. L. 95–105 substituted "Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs" for "administrator of the Bureau of Security and Consular Affairs of the Department of State". · (a)
• Pub. L. 95–83 inserted "a" after "graduates of" and ", other than such aliens who are of national or international renown in the field of medicine" after "in a foreign state". · (a)

1976

• Pub. L. 94–484, §601(b)(1), inserted ", and who, in the case of a graduate of a medical school coming to the United States to perform services as a member of the medical profession, is coming pursuant to an invitation from a public or nonprofit private educational or research… · (a)
• Pub. L. 94–484, §601(b)(2), inserted ", but this clause shall not apply to graduates of medical schools coming to the United States to perform services as members of the medical profession". · (a)
• Pub. L. 94–484, §601(b)(3), inserted ", other than to receive graduate medical education or training". · (a)
• Pub. L. 94–484, §601(b)(4), inserted "and who, if he is coming to the United States to participate in a program under which he will receive graduate medical education or training, also meets the requirements of section 1182(j) of this title". · (a)
• Pub. L. 94–571 struck out subpar. (A) provision defining term "special immigrant" to include an immigrant born in any independent foreign country of the Western Hemisphere or in the Canal Zone and the spouse and children of any such immigrant, if accompanying, or following to join … · (a)
• Pub. L. 94–484, §601(e), added par. (41). · (a)

1975

• Pub. L. 94–155 provided for adoption of alien children under the age of fourteen by unmarried United States citizens who are at least twenty-five years of age and inserted requirement that before adoption the Attorney General be satisfied that proper care will be provided the chi… · (b)

1970

• Pub. L. 91–225, §1(a), provided for nonimmigrant alien status for alien spouse and minor children of any alien specified in par. (H) if accompanying him or following to join him and struck out "temporary", "other", and "industrial" before "services", "temporary services", and "t… · (a)
• Pub. L. 91–225, §1(b), added subpars. (K) and (L). · (a), (L)

1966

• Pub. L. 89–710 inserted sentence providing that term "United States" as used in section 1452 of this title, for the purpose of issuing certificates of citizenship to persons who are citizens of the United States, shall include the Canal Zone. · (a)

1965

• Pub. L. 89–236, §8(a), substituted "special immigrant" for "nonquota immigrant" as term being defined. · (a)
• Pub. L. 89–236, §8(b), substituted term "profession" and its definition for term "quota immigrant" and its definition. · (a)
• Pub. L. 89–236, §8(c), expanded definition to include a child, under the age of 14 at the time a petition is filed in his behalf to accord a classification as an immediate relative or who is an orphan because of the death or disappearance of, abandonment or desertion by, or separ… · (b)
• Pub. L. 89–236, §24, struck out par. (6) which defined term "eligible orphan". · (b)

1961

• Pub. L. 87–256 included the alien spouse and minor children of any such alien if accompanying him or following to join him in subpar. (F), and added subpar. (J). · (a)
• Pub. L. 87–301, §2, added subpar. (F). · (b)
• Pub. L. 87–301, §1, added par. (6). · (b)
• Pub. L. 87–301, §7(a), inserted "or from June 25, 1950, to July 1, 1955,". · (d)
• Pub. L. 87–301, §7(b), inserted definition of "Korean hostilities". · (d)

1959

• Pub. L. 86–3 struck out reference to Hawaii. · (a)

1958

• Pub. L. 85–508 struck out reference to Alaska. · (a)

1957

• Pub. L. 85–316 inserted "whether or not born out of wedlock" in subpar. (B), and added subpars. (D) and (E). · (b)