resident alien

American  

noun

Law.

1. an alien who has legally established residence in the United States.

2. an alien who has legally entered the United States as an immigrant with the intention of becoming a citizen.

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Etymology

Origin of resident alien

First recorded in 1800–05

Example Sentences

Ono was allowed to stay — and granted status as a "permanent resident alien" — so she could pursue her efforts to find her daughter.

From Salon • Mar. 22, 2025

Official paperwork revealed that Ortega presented her resident alien card and Social Security card to register, acknowledging that she was not a citizen.

From Slate • Nov. 29, 2018

Indeed, as a lawful permanent resident alien of the United States I would like to do my best to help.

From The Guardian • Feb. 22, 2017

Question: If a resident alien moves back to her own country, can she get Social Security checks deposited in her native country?

From Forbes • Aug. 23, 2014

Metic, met′ik, n. an immigrant, a resident alien.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 2 of 4: E-M) by Various