Understanding the Legal Definition of a Foreign Person

Definition & Meaning

A foreign person is defined as any individual or entity that does not have citizenship or lawful residency in the United States. This includes:

Individuals who are not U.S. citizens or nationals.
Individuals who are not citizens of the Northern Mariana Islands or the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.
Individuals who are not legally admitted for permanent residence in the U.S.
Entities created under foreign laws or with their primary business location outside the U.S.
Entities organized under U.S. state laws but controlled by foreign individuals or governments.

The term "foreign person" is often used in various legal contexts, including:

Users may encounter forms related to these areas, and US Legal Forms offers templates that can assist in navigating these legal requirements.

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Here are a couple of examples to illustrate the term:

A Canadian citizen who visits the U.S. for business but does not have a visa is considered a foreign person.
A company based in Germany that sells products in the U.S. is classified as a foreign person under U.S. law. (hypothetical example)

Key legal references include:

Term	Definition
Foreign Person	An individual or entity not recognized as a citizen or lawful resident of the U.S.
Resident Alien	A non-citizen who is legally permitted to reside in the U.S. permanently.
U.S. Citizen	An individual who has been granted citizenship in the U.S. and possesses all rights and privileges.

If you believe you fall under the definition of a foreign person, consider the following steps:

Consult with an immigration attorney to understand your rights and obligations.
Explore US Legal Forms for templates that may assist you in legal processes related to your status.
If you are involved in business, ensure compliance with local and federal regulations regarding foreign ownership.

Browse our library of 85,000+ state-specific legal templates.

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Attribute	Details
Definition	An individual or entity without U.S. citizenship or lawful residency.
Legal Areas	Immigration, international trade, tax law.
Key Statute	7 USCS § 3508.