A person can enter the U.S., and even be living in the U.S., without having  been legally admitted.

If a person has made a lawful entry, this means they have been inspected and authorized to come into the country.  This is deemed a lawful entry. 

Parole, on the other hand,  allows immigrants to enter or live in the U.S., as if they have been admitted, for a temporary period, even though they have not made been admitted. 

There are three different types of parole.

Related Podcasts:

Episode 158: Too Little, Too Late: Filipino World War II Veterans

Episode 139: The Unfortunate Roots Of DACA

Recommended Links For More Information:

Grandfathering: How To Win Adjustment Of Status Under INA 245(i)

Why U.S. Citizen Spouses Are The Key To immigration Reform