Glossary of Terms

Following are terms we frequently use at Upwardly Global. We know there is a lot of terminology surrounding this topic and we want to be clear about how we are using certain terms. At the end of this list we have provided some tips and recommendations for carefully and respectfully using language to discuss this topic. This is an evolving field and we are constantly learning. Please contact us if you have a question or suggestion.

Asylee or Refugee – an individual who has fled his/her home country due to persecution as a result of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinions.  These individuals are granted permission to settle in the U.S. permanently.

Direct Service – activities designed to provide service directly to a client. An example of direct service is providing training on how to effectively interview for a job. Additionally, working with employers to help increase understanding and awareness of the skilled immigrant population is a direct service to our employer network.

Foreign-trained/Foreign-educated – describes an individual who received their professional training or education in a country other than the U.S.

Immigrant – an individual who was not born here and came to the U.S. to reside permanently.  Immigrants come here for a variety of reasons including to join family, marry Americans, build careers, and to escape difficult situations in their home country. All of the immigrants we work with at Upwardly Global are lawful permanent residents and most become U.S. citizens.

Immigrant integration – a dynamic, two-way process in which newcomers and members of the receiving community work together to integrate the new participants and ensure their equal treatment in society.  In the case of our work, the professional workplace becomes a stronger, more effective community as a result of skilled immigrant integration in addition to benefits at the civic and societal level.

Lawful Permanent Resident – any person not a citizen of the United States who is residing in the U.S. under legally recognized and lawfully recorded permanent residence as an immigrant.

New Americans – individuals who have recently resettled to the U.S. permanently and legally. We also use the term newcomer to describe individuals who have recently arrived to the U.S.

Regulated professions – professions that have self-governing or regulatory bodies that set standards of practice and competence to ensure the public’s safety. These professions usually require certification or licensing in order to be hired by an employer and practice in one’s field. Examples of regulated professions include teachers, doctors, lawyers, dentists, accountants, engineers and social workers.

Skilled immigrant – a work-authorized immigrant who has professional skills to contribute to the workforce.  Sometimes referred to as an immigrant professional or highly-skilled immigrant.

Survival job – a low-wage, low-skill job that does not utilize one’s professional skills, but is necessary for economic survival.

Systemic barriers – barriers relating to outdated or bureaucratic structures and processes that make access to employment more difficult for skilled immigrants as compared to their American counterparts. These barriers are engrained in societal systems and are out of the control of an individual.  An example is the goals of federally funded workforce development programs that incentivize high volume, low wage employment of job seekers, regardless of education or experience level.

Systemic change – changes that address societal structures and processes hindering skilled immigrants in rebuilding their careers. An example is including new goals for the federally funded workforce and resettlement programs to incentivize more skill appropriate placement.

Underemployed – a situation in which a professional is employed in a low-wage, low-skilled position that does not utilize the individual’s professional skills.

Work-authorized – having the necessary legal rights to be employed in the U.S. without visa sponsorship. All skilled immigrants Upwardly Global works with have permanent work authorization in the U.S.  They do not need any visa sponsorship.

Workforce development – activities, policies and programs designed to stimulate the growth of the workforce and develop talent and career pathways in a way that ensures a viable workforce that can deliver the service needs of today and the future.

Tips and Recommendations for Language Use

• Use the phrase “work-authorized, skilled immigrants” to describe the population Upwardly Global works with
• Avoid using terms such as “alien” or “foreign” which can be negative, except when using foreign-educated to discuss licensing and certification issues
• Avoid using legal vs. illegal which can be polarizing, use “work authorized”
• Focus on the individuals as professionals, not immigrants.