removable alien

(US GOVERNMENT) a person who may be deported for any reason. Removable aliens include *people who entered the USA unlawfully, such as crossing the border without documents; *people who entered the USA lawfully but overstayed their visas, or else did something that violated the terms of their visa (usually, working for a living); *people who are lawful resident immigrants, but who committed a felony (US law classifies many petty crimes as a felony, including giving incorrect information on a federal job application); *people who are lawful residents and who have scrupulously obeyed other US laws, but who have suffered the misfortune of contracting a dangerous illness (including while in the USA); *people who are lawful refugees and legally entitled to sanctuary, but whose presence under US protection is diplomatically embarrassing. The term "removable alien" seems to have been coined in a 2005 addendum to the federal code (Title 8, CFR 241.14), which is where this information comes from.