Border crossing records document the movement of individuals between countries, particularly across land borders such as the United States–Canada and United States–Mexico borders. These records often include personal details, travel information, and immigration status terminology.
| Term | Definition |
| Admission | Official permission to enter a country. |
| Alien | Person who is not a citizen of the destination country. |
| Arrival Date | Date individual entered country. |
| Border Crossing | Movement across international boundary. |
| Border Station | Official location where crossing is recorded. |
| Certificate of Arrival | Document verifying legal entry. |
| Citizenship | Legal nationality of individual. |
| Country of Origin | Nation where person previously resided. |
| Date of Entry | Date individual entered country. |
| Departure | Exit from a country. |
| Destination | Intended place of residence after crossing. |
| Entry Permit | Authorization to enter country. |
| Examination | Inspection by immigration officials. |
| Head Tax | Fee charged to entering immigrants. |
| Immigration Officer | Official examining entrants. |
| Immigration Status | Legal classification of entrant. |
| Inspection | Review of documents and eligibility. |
| Intended Residence | Planned place of living. |
| Manifest | Official list of travelers. |
| Marital Status | Status such as single or married. |
| Nationality | Country of citizenship. |
| Naturalization | Process of becoming citizen. |
| Occupation | Job or trade of traveler. |
| Passport | Official travel document. |
| Permit | Authorization to enter or remain. |
| Port of Entry | Location where crossing occurred. |
| Prior Residence | Last place lived before crossing. |
| Record of Entry | Documentation of crossing event. |
| Registration | Official recording of entry. |
| Residence | Place where individual lives. |
| Temporary Entry | Entry for limited period. |
| Visa | Authorization to enter country. |
| Visa Number | Identifier assigned to visa. |
| Witness | Person verifying information. |
| Year of Arrival | Year individual entered country. |
| Age | Age at time of crossing. |
| Family Group | Individuals traveling together. |
| Literacy | Ability to read and write. |
| Physical Description | Identifying characteristics. |
| Sponsor | Person assisting immigrant after arrival. |
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