Immigration law determines whether a person is an alien, the
rights, duties, and obligations associated with being an alien
in the United States, and how aliens gain residence or
citizenship within the United States. It also provides the means
by which certain aliens can become legally naturalized citizens
with full rights of citizenship. Immigration law serves as a
gatekeeper for the border of the nation, determining who may
enter, how long they may stay, and when they must leave.
Immigration lawyers represent persons seeking temporary and
permanent residency (green cards) status in the U.S., those
interested in obtaining U.S. citizenship through a process
called naturalization, and clients facing deportation and
removal. Immigration attorneys may also represent businesses
seeking to secure temporary visa status for foreign employees.