Alien (foreign citizen)

Alien (foreign citizen), in law, a person residing in one country while being a citizen of another. If aliens do not become citizens by naturalization, they do not possess such political rights as voting and holding public office. Most countries distinguish between temporary aliens and those who wish to reside permanently. In the United States long-term aliens are subject to military conscription and taxation, and they may acquire, convey, and transmit title to real and personal property. In accordance with the Alien Registration Act of 1940, aliens over 14 years of age must register each year. Aliens who are criminals, paupers, or diseased may be excluded from a country or denied entrance. See Immigration; Nationality; Naturalization.