What term describes someone who has entered or remains in the United States without government protection?

The term that describes someone who has entered or remains in the United States without government protection is "undocumented immigrant." This designation is used for individuals who do not have the legal authorization to reside in the U.S. and may have entered without inspection or overstayed a visa. This lack of legal status distinguishes them from other categories of immigrants who have permission to live and work in the country.

In contrast, green card holders, resident aliens, and legal permanent residents all refer to individuals who have been granted some form of legal status allowing them to reside in the U.S. legally. Green card holders specifically refer to individuals who possess a green card, signifying their lawful permanent resident status. Resident aliens and legal permanent residents are similar in that they refer to individuals who are authorized to live in the U.S. on a permanent basis. Thus, these terms do not apply to those without legal status.