What is the classification for immigrants who are in the U.S. for an indefinite period?

The classification for immigrants who are in the U.S. for an indefinite period is often referred to as "aliens." This term is a broad legal designation used in immigration law to describe anyone who is not a citizen or national of the United States. It encompasses various categories of individuals, including nonimmigrants, refugees, asylees, and others.

Aliens can have different statuses based on their reasons for immigrating and the legal grounds under which they reside in the U.S. Those who remain in the country for an indefinite period may do so for various reasons, including long-term work, family connections, or other circumstances that allow them to stay beyond the temporary status typically associated with nonimmigrants.

In contrast, nonimmigrants specifically refer to individuals who have been granted permission to enter the U.S. temporarily, typically for a specific purpose such as tourism, work, or study. Refugees and asylees are distinct groups recognized for their protection due to fear of persecution in their home countries but do not necessarily denote an indefinite period in the U.S. status by definition; rather, they highlight specific protections and pathways to residency.

Thus, identifying individuals who are in the U.S. for an indefinite period aligns well with the