Is a non-resident alien the same thing as an illegal?

Answer by  Semaj (83)

A non-resident alien is a legal alien who holds temporary visa status, such as an H-1B visa for foreign, highly-skilled workers, or even a B-2 tourist visa. The term non-resident primarily shows that the alien does not hold permenant residency or "greencard" status as it is sometimes known.

Answer by  jclick (1561)

A non-resident alien is a person living in the United States legally but who does not have permission to work or live permanently in the country.

Answer by  LindaJean (49)

An alien is someone who is not a citizen. A non-resident stays in the US for less than 31 days in a year. This visitor does enter the country with a visa and so is not "illegal."