What is the definition of admission in the context of U.S. immigration law?

In the context of U.S. immigration law, the definition of admission refers to the lawful entry of a noncitizen into the United States after they have been inspected and formally admitted by an immigration officer. This process is crucial, as it establishes the individual's legal status upon entering the country. It emphasizes that before a noncitizen can reside in the U.S. or access any legal rights afforded to individuals in the country, they must go through a thorough inspection process, which assesses their eligibility and compliance with immigration laws.

Other options, while they pertain to immigration, do not accurately define admission. For instance, granting legal status to U.S. citizens, visa requirements, and processes for applying for citizenship all involve different aspects of immigration law but do not capture the specific meaning of what it means for a noncitizen to be admitted to the United States. Thus, the focus on inspection and admission underscores the importance of legal entry and the role of immigration officers in this process.