One of the main ways to become a legal permanent resident is through family sponsorship. You can be sponsored by a US citizen spouse, parent, adult child or sibling. If you have questions about the process for obtaining a green card, contact our office to speak with a knowledgeable immigration attorney.
Answers to Your Immigration Law Questions
The immigration process can be confusing. With so many options, you want to find the solutions that best fit the needs of your family or business. At the Los Angeles area law offices of Nelson & Associates, we will answer any questions you may have as we guide you through the immigration process. With over 30 years of combined experience, our attorneys understand the obstacles you face and the options you have available.
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Every individual, business, or family faces unique challenges going through the immigration process. Whether you are interested in a student visa or long-term employment options, there is a plan that best addresses your needs. Completely dedicated to immigration law, our lawyers will make sure you come up with a plan that fits your immediate and long-term goals. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.
The immigration process can be intimidating, especially if English is not your first language. We understand that you want to know exactly what is going on, and that is why we offer legal counsel in Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese and Filipino as well as in English. We will make sure you have answers that make sense. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.
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Government Agencies and Their Duties
More than one US government agency is involved with implementing and enforcing US immigration law and policy. Given the complexity of US immigration law, it is important to understand which federal agencies are involved with which types of immigration matters. Contact Nelson & Associates, A Professional Law Corporation in Pasadena, California to schedule a consultation with an experienced immigration attorney.
US Department of State
The Department of State is the lead US foreign affairs agency. It is primarily charged with developing and implementing foreign policy. However, it is also involved in some immigration affairs - primarily, issuing visas. The Department of State oversees US consulates and embassies abroad, which are responsible for processing and approving/denying visa applications.
US Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
The DHS is the umbrella organization created in 2002 to coordinate the country's efforts to combat terrorism. Most of the agencies handling immigration-related matters are now part of the DHS. One of the most important changes with the creation of the DHS was the creation of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services and US Customs and Border Protection agencies.
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
The USCIS is a branch of the Department of Homeland Security ("DHS") and is the primary agency dealing with immigration. The USCIS replaced the Immigration and Naturalization Service ("INS") in 2003.
In general, the USCIS is in charge of all immigration-related applications and authorizations for foreign individuals who are inside the borders of the United States. It has the power to authorize or deny admission to the United States, even if the potential immigrant has received a valid visa from a US embassy or consulate abroad.
The USCIS deals with:
- Family-based petitions
- Employment-based petitions
- Asylum and refugee processing
- International adoptions
- Naturalization process for citizenship
- Approving changes in immigrant status
- Approving extensions for nonimmigrant visas
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
Like the USCIS, US Customs and Border Protection is a branch of the Department of Homeland Security. It is now the unified border agency that combines the inspection and border authority of the US Border Patrol, US Customs, US Immigration and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. It is charged with facilitating legitimate trade and preventing terrorist and criminal activity on the US borders. One of the CBP's most important initiatives is identifying and refusing entry to people or cargo that may pose a risk to US citizens.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
When the Department of Homeland Security was established, the law enforcement functions of the US Customs Service, which include investigative and intelligence resources, the Immigration and Naturalization Service, the Federal Protective Service and the Federal Air Marshals Service, were merged into ICE. Now it is the primary investigative branch responsible for identifying and eliminating vulnerabilities in the nation's border, economic, transportation and infrastructure security. It also has authority over illegal immigrant detention and removal.
US Department of Labor (DOL)
The Department of Labor promotes the welfare of workers by improving working conditions and advancing employment opportunities. Employers seeking to hire certain classes of permanent employees and temporary workers must file for a labor certification from the DOL prior to hiring the foreign nationals. Without the appropriate labor certification, foreign workers will be unable to secure visas and enter the US.
Conclusion
Understanding the interplay of the various government organizations involved in implementing the law is important to a full understanding of US immigration policy. Contact Nelson & Associates, A Professional Law Corporation in Pasadena, California to speak with a knowledgeable immigration attorney about your immigration-related legal matters.
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