Ace the 2026 U.S. History STAAR – Conquer Texas with Knowledge!

The term that defines a foreigner, particularly in historical contexts, is "alien." This term has been used for many years to describe a person who is not a citizen of the country in which they are living or residing. Historically, "alien" has legal connotations, often used in discussions surrounding immigration laws and policies, distinguishing between citizens and non-citizens and their rights or obligations.

In contrast, someone classified as a "citizen" is a person recognized as a member of a nation with specific rights and duties, such as voting or holding a public office. An "immigrant" refers to a person who moves to another country, often with the intention of settling there permanently, but does not necessarily capture the broader historical definition of a foreigner unless specified within the context of a particular immigration status. A "resident" can refer to a person living in a place, which may include citizens, immigrants, or others, but does not inherently denote foreign status. Therefore, "alien" is the most precise term to indicate a foreigner in historical contexts.