Legal glossary with Arabic translations

The process of applying for permanent resident status (green card) while in the United States, rather than applying at a U.S. consulate abroad.

A written statement of facts made under oath. Used as evidence in court proceedings and official applications.

Protection granted to foreign nationals who have suffered persecution or fear persecution in their home country based on race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.

A person who is licensed to practice law and represent clients in legal matters. Also called a lawyer.

A meeting with an attorney to discuss your legal situation and options. Many attorneys offer free initial consultations.

A fee arrangement where the attorney is paid a percentage of the client's recovery (usually 33-40%) only if the case is successful. If there is no recovery, the client pays no attorney fees.

Monetary compensation awarded to a person who has suffered loss or injury due to another's wrongful conduct. Includes economic damages (medical bills, lost wages) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering).

The person or party against whom a lawsuit is filed or who is charged with a crime.

The formal removal of a foreign national from the United States for violating immigration laws. Also called removal.

The constitutional guarantee that all legal proceedings will be fair and follow established rules and principles.

An immigration application filed by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to sponsor a family member for a green card.

Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act. A U.S. law requiring U.S. citizens and residents to report foreign financial accounts and offshore assets to the IRS.

Foreign Bank Account Report. U.S. citizens and residents with foreign financial accounts exceeding $10,000 at any time during the year must file this report annually.

A document showing that a person has been granted the right to live and work permanently in the United States. Officially known as a Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551).

A court where immigration judges hear cases involving foreign nationals facing deportation or seeking relief from removal. Part of the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).

A payment plan that allows you to pay your tax debt over time in monthly installments, rather than paying the full amount at once.

Internal Revenue Service. The federal agency responsible for collecting taxes and enforcing tax laws in the United States.

Free or low-cost legal services provided to people who cannot afford to hire an attorney.

Legal responsibility for one's actions or omissions that cause harm to another person or damage to property.

Negligence by a healthcare provider that falls below the accepted standard of care and causes injury to a patient.

The legal process by which a foreign citizen or national becomes a U.S. citizen. Requires meeting eligibility requirements including residency, English proficiency, and passing a civics test.

Failure to exercise the care that a reasonably prudent person would exercise in similar circumstances, resulting in harm to another person.

An agreement between a taxpayer and the IRS to settle tax debt for less than the full amount owed. The IRS may accept an OIC when you cannot pay your full tax liability.

Non-economic damages awarded for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life resulting from an injury.

Physical or psychological harm caused to a person due to another party's negligence, intentional actions, or strict liability.

The person or party who initiates a lawsuit by filing a complaint against another party (the defendant).

A legal document that gives someone the authority to act on your behalf in specified legal, financial, or medical matters.

An agreement between parties to resolve a legal dispute without going to trial. In personal injury cases, the at-fault party agrees to pay compensation to the injured party.

The time limit within which a lawsuit must be filed. In personal injury cases, this varies by state (typically 2-3 years from the date of injury).

An examination of a taxpayer's accounts and financial information by the IRS to ensure tax returns are accurate and taxes are correctly reported.

A legal seizure of your property to satisfy a tax debt. The IRS can levy wages, bank accounts, and other assets.

A legal claim by the government against your property when you fail to pay your tax debt. It protects the government's interest in all your property.

Additional charges imposed by the IRS for failing to file tax returns on time, failing to pay taxes owed, or other tax law violations.

Programs or strategies that help taxpayers reduce their tax liability or resolve tax debt. Includes penalty abatement, installment agreements, and offers in compromise.

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. The government agency that oversees lawful immigration to the United States, including processing visa applications, green cards, and naturalization.

An official document or stamp in your passport that allows you to enter, stay in, or leave a country for a specific purpose and time period.

A visa that allows foreign nationals to work in the United States temporarily. Common types include H-1B (specialty occupations), L-1 (intracompany transfers), and O-1 (extraordinary ability).

A civil lawsuit brought when someone dies due to another person's negligence or intentional act. Family members can recover damages for their loss.