U.S. Immigration Law deals with issues relating to foreign nationals who come to this country either temporarily or permanently, including the associated legal rights, duties, and obligations of aliens in the United States. It also deals with the application processes and procedures involved with naturalization of foreign nationals who wish to become U.S. citizens, as well as dealing with legal issues relating to people who are refugees or asylees, people who cross U.S. borders by means of fraud or other illegal means, and those who traffick or otherwise illegally transport aliens into the United States.

What is a Foreign National?

In the United States, like many other countries, native people (people born in the United States) are considered citizens. You are also considered a citizen of the United States if you are born overseas but one or both of your parents is a U.S. citizen, or if you came from another country and go through the process of naturalization-applying for and meeting the requirements for naturalized citizenship. If you are not a U.S. citizen, then you are considered a foreign national or alien. Aliens are categorized as: resident and nonresident, immigrant and nonimmigrant, documented (legal) and undocumented (illegal).

Should I hire a lawyer?

American immigration law is one of the most politically divisive areas of the legal system and it's constantly changing. An immigration lawyer can help you with issues such as: obtaining a U.S. work visa or other type of visa, obtaining a green card, naturalization, immigrating to the U.S. for education, adopting a child from another country (international adoption), gaining asylum in the U.S. and other immigration matters.

Many people turn to government agencies that administer immigration for help and advice. But, this is a big mistake because the agencies have no responsibility or liability for information they provide like attorneys do. In addition to that, information officers are usually not adequately trained in immigration law nor do they keep up with the latest updates. Also, individual cases differ dramatically and agencies do not have the resources to properly assess your case and give you advice on how to proceed.

Consulting with an attorney can assure you that your immigration matters will be handled in the best possible way they can be in your case. Immigration lawyers specifically specialize in immigration laws, including all relevant updates. An immigration lawyer can help you overcome and avoid many legal issues and simplify the immigration process as much as possible. Use the State Lawyers Directory to find an immigration attorney that best suits your needs.