What term is used to describe an immigrant who has not been admitted but has a lawful basis for their presence in the U.S.?

The term used to describe an immigrant who has not been formally admitted to the U.S. but has a lawful basis for remaining in the country is "paroled alien." This classification applies to individuals who, under specific circumstances, have been allowed into the U.S. temporarily for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. Parole does not constitute official admission but grants the individual legal status while they remain in the U.S., allowing them to live and work legally during that period.

The other terms provided do not accurately reflect the lawful basis for presence in the U.S. An expatriate typically refers to a person temporarily or permanently residing in a country other than their native country, which does not imply a legal basis for residency in the U.S. An undocumented immigrant is someone who does not have legal status and does not have lawful reasons for their presence, which fundamentally contradicts the idea of having a lawful basis. An illegal entrant refers to an individual who has entered without inspection or outside of the authorized processes, lacking lawful presence altogether. Therefore, "paroled alien" correctly identifies the status of someone who has not been admitted but possesses a lawful reason to be in the U.S.