; (ii) an order of probation without entry of judgment; or (iii) any similar disposition. (9) Institution of higher education (A) In general The term institution of higher education has the meaning given the term in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1002 ). (B) Exclusion The term institution of higher education does not include an institution of higher education outside the United States. (10) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Homeland Security. (b) Cancellation of removal of certain long-term residents who entered the United States as children (1) Special rule for certain long-term residents who entered the United States as children (A) In general Notwithstanding any other provision of law and except as otherwise provided in this section, the Secretary may cancel the removal of, and grant conditional permanent resident status to, an alien who— (i) meets the qualifications described in subparagraph (B); and (ii) (I) is inadmissible under section 212(a) or deportable under section 237(a); or (II) is the child of an alien who is lawfully present in the United States pursuant to the status described in section 101(a)(15)(E)(ii). (B) Qualifications To qualify for cancellation of removal or conditional permanent resident status under subparagraph (A), an alien shall submit an application and supporting documentation that demonstrates by the preponderance of the evidence that— (i) the alien has been physically present in the United States for a continuous period since January 1, 2012; (ii) on the date on which the alien initially entered the United States, the alien was under 16 years of age; (iii) in the case of an alien who is 18 years of age or older on the date on which the alien submits an application under this subsection, the alien has— (I) earned— (aa) a high school diploma; or (bb) a commensurate alternative award from a public or private high school or secondary school; (II) obtained— (aa) a general education development certificate recognized under State law