What term describes a temporary visitor to the United States?

The term that describes a temporary visitor to the United States is "Nonimmigrant." This classification is specifically designed for individuals who come to the U.S. for a limited period of time, often for purposes such as tourism, business, study, or medical treatment. Nonimmigrants enter the country with the understanding that they will depart before their visa expires, and their stay is typically defined by the terms of the visa they hold.

In contrast, other terms do not accurately capture the temporary nature of the stay. A refugee, for example, refers to someone who is forced to flee their country due to persecution or fear of persecution, and their status often leads to a more permanent form of residency. A U.S. national usually refers to individuals who owe allegiance to the United States, which can apply to both citizens and certain territories without necessarily indicating a temporary visit. An alien is a broader term referring to any person who is not a citizen or national of the United States, which encompasses both temporary and permanent residents, but does not specifically indicate the temporary aspect that "nonimmigrant" covers.