Dual Intent Doctrine

The Dual Intent Doctrine refers to a legal principle primarily applied in immigration law, particularly for non-citizens in the U.S. It allows individuals to hold two intentions simultaneously: one, to enter the country temporarily (like for a visit or work), and two, to seek permanent residency. This means that a person can apply for a temporary visa while also planning to pursue a green card later, without it being viewed negatively. Essentially, it recognizes that people can have both short-term and long-term goals regarding their immigration status without jeopardizing their applications.