So What is the Difference Between An Alien and Immigrant?

I was at the Bluesbutterfly site yesterday and she posed this interesting question. In most cases dictionaries made little distinction between the two. But then I found this, (from Life in the USA) and I thought I would share it with you:

Legal Classifications

Immigrants and Aliens. The legal terminologies are
important to know. An alien is a person who was not born in the United States
and comes into the country from outside. (Do not confuse this use of the term
"alien" with its frequent use in science fiction to refer to people from outer
space.)

After the alien enters the United States legally with the intent to stay
in the country, he or she becomes an immigrant.

Aliens admitted legally into the country for temporary periods of time such as tourists or students are called nonimmigrant aliens. The term legal aliens refers to both these types of aliens.

An alien whose temporary visa has expired and who remains in the country or a
person who entered the country illegally is called an undocumented
alien.

The site Life in the USA is a very unique site and worth exploring. It provides a cultural interpretation of life the United States, and covers business, law, employment and more. The sites is designed to help new residents in the United States. And if you are an American citizen, it is useful to you also.