Entered Without Inspection Law and Legal Definition
The term ‘entered without inspection’ as used in the context of immigration laws means entering the U.S. borders without being inspected by a U.S. immigration official. The phrase is often shortened to EWI. This term is most commonly used to refer to crossing the Mexican or Canadian border without having any contact with an immigration official.
A foreign national who enters the U.S. EWI generally cannot apply for legal status from within the nation. However, the following categories of alien who entered without inspection may adjust status:
1. Abused spouses and minor children of U.S. citizens.
2. Lawful Permanent Residents who entered without inspection.
3. Aliens who entered without inspection who are present in the United States on December 21, 2000 and who are beneficiaries of a petition or labor certification filed on or before April 30, 2001.
