resident alien

noun

Law.

1. an alien who has legally established residence in the United States.

2. an alien who has legally entered the United States as an immigrant with the intention of becoming a citizen.

Word History and Origins

Origin of resident alien¹

First recorded in 1800–05

Example Sentences

Alan Tudyk scored his first starring role with ‘Resident Alien,’ but he’s long been celebrated in genre circles, and for good reason.

From Los Angeles Times

Still, many fans know Tudyk best for his sci-fi and genre roles, including his four-season run as Dr. Harry Vanderspeigle of Syfy’s “Resident Alien,” which comes to an end with its final episode on Friday.

From Los Angeles Times

“Fingers crossed for the reboot ‘Resident Alien versus Predator.’”

From Los Angeles Times

Alan Tudyk was nearly 50 when he scored his first starring role in a TV series as the titular extraterrestrial Harry Vanderspeigle in Syfy’s “Resident Alien.”

From Los Angeles Times

You can’t exactly call “Resident Alien” career-making, given how much Tudyk has worked, going back to onscreen roles in the late 20th century and on stage in New York, but it has made him especially visible over a long period in a marvelous show in a part for which he seems to have been fashioned.

From Los Angeles Times