U.S. immigration law is primarily governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The system balances national interest, family reunification, and economic contributions.
Key concepts include Immigrant Visas (for permanent residence, or a Green Card) and Nonimmigrant Visas (for temporary stays, like tourism or work). Immigration enforcement addresses those who are inadmissible or subject to removal (deportation). Asylum offers protection from persecution.
— Overview, who it helps, and practical next steps
U.S. immigration law governs who may enter, remain, work, and become a permanent resident or citizen of the United States. It is complex and made up of statutes (primarily the Immigration and Nationality Act), federal regulations, agency guidance, and court decisions. Because outcomes turn on fine factual and legal details, early legal screening and careful documentation are essential.
Core components
- Statutes & regulations: the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and implementing rules.
- Key agencies: USCIS (benefits), ICE (enforcement), CBP (ports of entry), and EOIR (immigration courts).
- Practice areas: family- & employment-based immigration, removal defense, humanitarian relief (asylum, U/T, TPS), naturalization, waivers, and consular processing.
What to do now (for prospective clients)
- Schedule a screening and collect passports, notices, and prior filings.
- Identify and calendar any deadlines (appeals, motions, RFEs).
- Assemble documentary evidence (IDs, marriage/birth certificates, tax/earnings records, dispositions).
- Avoid international travel until counsel confirms reentry safety.
- Preserve any documents proving hardship or family ties for discretionary relief.
How we help
We screen cases, prepare and file petitions and applications, respond to RFEs/NOIDs, represent clients in immigration court and appeals, prepare waiver applications, coordinate consular processing, and provide interview and court preparation.
