U.S. Immigration Agencies & U.S. Immigration Law
Immigration Field Offices
Immigration has become one of the hottest topics in the United States over the past several years. With the growing concern that immigration must be regulated more efficiently, new agencies have sprung up, and new and different laws have gone into effect. Therefore, it is important to have a basic understanding of both the players in the field, and the rules of the game. USA immigration lawyers and USA immigration law firms have vast knowledge when it comes to immigration agencies and immigration procedures. If you are in need of any immigration assistance, please fill out the form below to get in contact with an experienced immigration attorney. Your attorney will give you a free consultation to discuss all of your most pressing immigration issues or questions. For more information, or to schedule an appointment with an experienced immigration lawyer, please fill out the form listed on this webpage. Immigration lawyers and law firms are available at all hours and will contact you to assist with any immigration concerns that you may have.
What are the Agencies that handle immigration matters?
Currently, there are five (5) different agencies that, in one way or another, are involved in the immigration process. These agencies include the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Justice, the Department of State, the Department of Labor, and the Department of Health and Human Services. Of these five, the Department of Homeland Security is the most prominent, having taken over for the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) a few years ago. The Department of Homeland Security is further broken down into three distinct departments: the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Customs and Border Patrol.
What does each Agency do?
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
The USCIS was created in 2003 and is primarily responsible for administering the immigration and naturalization adjudicative functions, while establishing immigration policies and priorities. The USCIS is charged with adjudicating the following claims:
• Immigrant visas
• Naturalization applications
• Asylum petitions
• Refuge applications
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (USICE)
The USICE was also created in 2003 and is currently the largest investigative branch of the Department of Homeland Security for immigration claims. In essence, the USICE was created by combining the former INS and the former U.S. Customs Service. The combination of these two former agencies created a more effective enforcement and customs law agency, while also protecting the U.S. against terrorist attacks. The USICE is also the agency charged with enforcing detention and removal of aliens by representing the government in Immigration Court.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
The hottest topic in immigration law of the 21st century is how to control illegal immigrants at the ports of entry and borders, such as along the border with Mexico. The U.S Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a single, unified border patrol agency, and is in charge of making sure that all entry into the United States is lawful. By joining the Customs Inspector, the Immigration Inspector, and the Agriculture Inspector at all ports of entry, the CBP works effectively and efficiently to keep out illegal persons as well as unauthorized goods and products. The CBP also helps to create and enforce duty taxes and to prevent human and drug trafficking. If you believe that a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer illegally, or unconstitutionally handled your entry into the U.S., it is important that you contact an experienced U.S. immigration attorney or immigration law firm for assistance with how to proceed.
Field Offices Near You
To find an immigration field office near you, visit the USCIS office locator. You may also seek help from the National Customer Service Center (NCSC), which can be reached by telephone at 1-800-375-5283.
Contact a USA Immigration Lawyer ◊ Se Habla Español
It is important to remember that Immigration laws are some of the most difficult and complex regulations in U.S. law, and a competent United States immigration attorney is often required to interpret these laws. If you need help determining whether your claim fits under any of these laws, a USA immigration attorney or USA immigration law firm can assist with not only services such as immigration appeals and USCIS applications, but also with work permits, family visas, student visas, physician and nurse visas, visitor visas, adjustment of status, green card replacement and renewal, removal of conditions, deportation hearings, asylum, removal hearings, and citizenship or naturalization. Additionally, a USA immigration law firm or immigration attorney can help with employment visas such as PERM, EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-4, EB-5, Intra-Company Visas, Non-Immigrant Visas, H-1B, E, E-3, H-2B, O, P, Q, R, or TN. Fill out the form below for free consultation to discuss your immigration issues or questions with a qualified immigration lawyer in your area. Immigration lawyers and law firms are available at all hours and will contact you to assist with any immigration concerns that you may have.