The first thing that you should know is the fact that immigration is almost entirely a federal procedure no matter what state that you find yourself living within. It is the Constitution of the United States that confers the power to oversee and manage immigration concerns to Congress. Most of the specific laws related to immigration are found in Title 8 of the U.S. Code. The Immigration and Naturalization Act (INA) encompasses the current body of laws which govern current immigration policy.
The federal government oversees, monitors and controls immigration processes via the Department of Homeland Security. There are 3 important and vital agencies within the Department: U.S. Customs and Border Enforcement (CBE), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and U.S. Customs and Border Enforcement (ICE). CBE oversees border patrol. USCIS manages the process and paths to both citizenship and residency. ICE handles policing and deportation.
Immigration law establishes the status of whether a person is an alien. Legal rights, duties and obligations of aliens are also designated. Finally, the law provides the avenues by which aliens can become naturalized citizens with full rights of citizenship.
The following principles are the basis of immigration laws, policies and procedures:
- (a) the reunification of families;
- (b) protecting refugees;
- (c) promoting diversity;
- (d) admitting persons with skills that are valuable to the economy.
Complicated laws lead to complicated policies, rules and enforcement. Whether you find yourself, a family member, or a friend entangled in the rules, red tape, procedures and laws, you need professional help to complete a successful journey to legal citizenship. It imperative that you do not wait until you have missed a filing deadline, or even worse, a legal necessity which could lead to deportation to get the qualified help that you need. Remember, knowledge is power. Consultation with true professionals in the immigration field can provide you with the empowerment that you need to succeed.
There are so many avenues to secure your legal right to be in the United States that it is mandatory you seek just the right avenue for your personal goals to be successful. Maybe you just want to become a Legal Permanent Resident (LPR). Perhaps obtaining a valid visa to work in the United States is enough. Many will not stop until they become Naturalized Citizens of the United States totally. Every step of the way will have requirements and deadlines and wait times.
It is just far too important a task to try to accomplish the journey through the immigration system by yourself and on your own. Be wise and seek consultation from an expert today. There are many specialists that deal only with the problems that you are facing as an individual. Put a team on your side today!
