Immigration Acronyms

DHS Department of Homeland Security

ICE Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a branch of DHS (inside the U.S.)

CBP Customs and Border Patrol, a branch of DHS (at the border)

DCC Office of Chief Counsel, a branch of DHS

AO Asylum Office (or Asylum Officer), a branch of DHS

USCIS United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, a branch of DHS

DOJ Department of Justice

EOIR Executive Office for Immigration Review (immigration courts), a branch of DOJ

BIA Board of Immigration Appeals, a branch of DOJ

IJ Immigration Judge

NTA Notice to Appear (the charging document that initiates removal proceedings in immigration court)

MCH Master Calendar Hearing (preliminary hearings before an IJ)

EWI Entered Without Inspection (immigrant who entered the U.S. unlawfully)

USC United States Citizen

LPR Lawful Permanent Resident (someone who has a green card)

UAC Unaccompanied Alien Child (immigration advocates prefer UC, unaccompanied child)

U VISA Humanitarian form of relief for immigrant victims of serious crimes

T VISA Humanitarian form of relief for immigrant trafficking victims

SIJS Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, another humanitarian form of relief

CFI Credible Fear Interview, conducted by asylum officers in cities and at ports of entry

RFI Reasonable Fear Interview, conducted by asylum officers after more than one unlawful entry

ORR Office of Refugee Resettlement, responsible for shelters for UCs, part of HHS

VAWA Violence Against Women Act, humanitarian relief for abused spouses, parents or children of USCs or LPRs