Skip to main content
Please enter a legal issue and/or a location
Begin typing to search, use arrow keys to navigate, use enter to select

What is Immigration and Naturalization Law?

Definition of Immigration and Naturalization Law

Immigration law concerns the ways in which citizens of foreign nations come to the U.S. to live and work. Naturalization law governs the processes by which people become U.S. citizens.

Many citizens who never had to interact with the immigration system are surprised by the range of immigration options available to people who wish to come to the U.S., and are equally surprised by the range of problems immigration can cause.

Many immigrants arrive in the U.S. carrying a visa, which allows them to stay in the U.S. for a limited time and purpose. These people can become permanent residents, or "green card" holders, which allows them to stay in the U.S. indefinitely. Green cards are issued to some workers and to family members of U.S. citizens. Immigrants may also choose to become U.S. citizens through the naturalization process. However, if a non-citizen violates a law of the U.S., the federal government may force that person to leave the U.S. through the deportation process.

Immigration and naturalization law is governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act and overseen by an office in the Department of Homeland Security called United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS.

Terms to Know

For more definitions, see this glossary of immigration related terms.

Practice Area Notes

Immigration is a popular area of law. Over a million people are naturalized every year, and even more people come to the U.S. legally and illegally. Furthermore, immigration cases appear to be easy to handle: it seems that all that is required is to fill out some forms, gather supporting evidence, and mail it to a local USCIS office. All of this means that many non-lawyers attempt to provide immigration advice and assistance at cheaper rates and can frequently scam unsuspecting immigrants. Even the most well-intentioned people who offer advice on immigration issues may offer the wrong advice or be unable to help if there is a problem with your petition.

When seeking help with an immigration issue, be sure to contact an attorney, who is licensed to practice law in your state and is legally bound to act in your best interest. You can find a qualified local attorney by using the search tools below.

Related Practice Areas

  • Civil Rights: The area of law that ensures that all people are treated equally under the law, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or language.
  • Criminal: Arriving in the U.S. without permission from the government is a crime for many people, and immigrants who are arrested for other crimes frequently face deportation proceedings.
  • Employment Law: Many visa holders come to the U.S. to work, and their ability to stay in the U.S. depends on their ability to keep their job.
  • Business and Commercial Law: Employers who want to hire foreign nationals are typically responsible for completing and submitting a visa application on behalf of the employee.

Was this helpful?

Thank you. Your response has been sent.

You Don’t Have To Solve This on Your Own – Get a Lawyer’s Help

Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights. Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help.

Or contact an attorney near you:

Next Steps

Contact a qualified attorney to make sure your rights and interests get protected.

Begin typing to search, use arrow keys to navigate, use enter to select

Help Me Find a Do-It-Yourself Solution

Find the Right Lawyer for Your Case

You want a lawyer who:

  • Is experienced in your type of case
  • Knows your state’s laws
  • Understands your goals
  • Is on your side

FindLaw makes it easy to find the right attorney for you! Search our attorney lists by location and topic.

 

 Find your lawyer now.

Copied to clipboard

Find a Lawyer

More Options