What do the terms "admission" and "admitted" refer to in the context of an alien?

The terms "admission" and "admitted" in the context of an alien specifically refer to lawful entry into the United States after undergoing inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This process involves the evaluation of an individual's immigration status and their eligibility to enter the U.S. At this stage, the individual presents necessary documentation, such as a visa or other forms of identification, and may be subject to questioning by immigration officials. If they meet all the legal requirements and are granted entry, they are considered to be admitted into the United States.

This distinction is important because it highlights the legal framework governing immigration and the significance of an inspection process designed to maintain national security and manage the flow of individuals entering the country. The concept of admission is foundational to U.S. immigration law, as it sets the parameters for who may enter the country and under what conditions.

In contrast, the other options refer to situations that do not involve lawful admission. For instance, illegal entry does not involve inspection and is against U.S. law, while events such as refusal at the border underscore the lack of admission due to failure to meet entry requirements. Temporary visa issuance, while important in the immigration process, does not equate to admission as it