| Both writeups above seem to leave aside an important category: temporary (non-immigrant) visitors and workers from a foreign country. A non-immigrant worker myself, I noticed this trend among many Americans; I tell them that I don't have a green card, and they usually reply "ah, so you are an illegal alien!"; some shy away, because they don't want to get arrested for aiding and abetting, or for some other equally stupid reason.
The fact is, (leaving the rudeness of "alien" apart), I am a legal alien. My visa will expire three years from now; if I get a green card by that time, great. If not, I intend to obey the law... When my mother visits me, she has a visitor's visa, which gives her legal permission to stay in the United States for up to six months. An international student has a student's visa, and is legally in the United States for the duration of his studies. (Although his/her employment eligibility is limited)
I just thought I'd try to set the record straight... | 
