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

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

Numbers 9, for example, orders the creation of single statute, “for both the resident alien and the native.”

From Slate • Nov. 25, 2015

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

V. Thou shalt leave them for the poor and the resident alien.

From The Makers and Teachers of Judaism by Kent, Charles Foster