1. Legal Definition:
* In immigration law: An alien is a person who is not a citizen or national of the country they are residing in.
* In international law: An alien is a person who is not a citizen or national of the state where they are present.
2. Scientific Definition:
* In astronomy: An alien is anything that originates outside of Earth. This includes extraterrestrial life, celestial bodies, and even cosmic radiation.
3. Popular Culture Definition:
* In science fiction: An alien often refers to a being from another planet, usually with a different appearance and culture than humans.
* In general usage: An alien can also be used to describe anything that is unfamiliar, strange, or different.
4. Legal Definition:
* In US Law: An alien is a person who is not a citizen or national of the United States.
* In UK Law: An alien is a person who is not a British citizen.
5. Other:
* In biology: An alien species refers to a species that has been introduced to a new area, often with detrimental effects on the native ecosystem.
It's important to note that the definition of "alien" can be influenced by individual perspectives and biases. For example, some people might view immigrants as aliens, while others might view them as fellow human beings.
Overall, "alien" is a broad term with multiple meanings depending on the context. It's essential to understand the specific context in which the term is used to interpret its meaning accurately.