What does “undocumented immigrant” specifically refer to?

“Undocumented immigrant” specifically refers to individuals who have entered or remain in the U.S. without proper authorization. This term encapsulates those who do not possess the legal documentation required to be in the country, such as visas or other forms of legal residency. It primarily highlights the lack of proper immigration status rather than merely expired documentation or specific circumstances like asylum.

Other options refer to different immigration statuses. Individuals who hold valid work permits have the necessary authorization to work in the U.S., while those who have received asylum have been granted protection due to fear of persecution in their home countries. Individuals with expired visas, while lacking current legal status, are not typically categorized as undocumented in the same sense as those who entered without any form of authorization. The primary distinction for “undocumented immigrant” lies in the absence of any legal entry or presence in the country.