US immigration laws and policies affect not only those wishing to immigrate to the US, but also those needing to travel here for business, education and pleasure. For more information on immigration law, contact our firm to schedule a consultation with an experienced immigration lawyer.
Important Information about Your Immigration Rights
Provided by Attorney Daniel E. Chavez, in Petaluma, California
If you are a foreign national and want to legally reside in the United State, or you want to bring a family member to live with you, you may be uncertain about the laws and procedures, as well as your rights in an immigration matter. The information below, provided by the Law Offices of Daniel E. Chavez, answers basic questions about immigration. Attorney Chavez, a board-certified specialist in immigration and nationality law, has protected the legal rights of immigrants for over 30 years. To learn more about our immigration practice, see our immigration law page.
Contact our office or call us at 707-766-0471 (toll-free at 888-432-6097) to schedule an appointment.
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Contact a board-certified immigration and nationality lawyer! At the Law Offices of Daniel E. Chavez, in Petaluma, California, we have over 30 years of experience handling immigration law matters. We are licensed to practice in all state and federal courts in California. Flat fees charged for most services.
For experienced representation in immigration matters, contact Daniel E. Chavez, the only attorney in Sonoma County who is board-certified in immigration and nationality law by the state of California. We offer over 30 years of experience to individuals in immigration matters, including family-based immigration, removal defense, and immigration appeals.
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 Law Offices of Daniel E. Chavez in Petaluma, 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 Law Offices of Daniel E. Chavez in Petaluma, California to speak with a knowledgeable immigration attorney about your immigration-related legal matters.
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