### Question
What is the definition of rural area?


### Answer
The definition of **rural area** is as follows in *8 U.S.C. § 1153*:

> any area other than an area within a metropolitan statistical area (as designated by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget) or within the outer boundary of any city or town having a population of 20,000 or more (based on the most recent decennial census of the United States)

#### Citation:
  - *8 U.S.C. § 1153*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 12-IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY > SUBCHAPTER II-IMMIGRATION > Part I-Selection System**

