Federal Laws and Resources

Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed May 21, 2020

Only the federal government has the authority to control and regulate immigration into the United States, even though many state laws are written to either protect or restrict undocumented immigrants' access to state benefits. Therefore, it is important to understand the federal immigration laws, as well as the various roles of the different federal agencies that regulate and enforce immigration laws. Immigration enforcement and proceedings are handled by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and other federal agencies. This section provides information about federal laws; descriptions of federal agencies; links to immigration forms and fees; and related resources.

Learn About Federal Laws and Resources

Basic Immigration Laws

Federal laws cover a wide range of areas related to immigration and naturalization. This article provides an overview of the Immigration and Nationality Act, recent changes to the law, and how to challenge immigration decisions.
Immigration Forms & Fees

Each step of the U.S. immigration process will require you to file a number of forms and pay several fees. In this article, you’ll find links to frequently requested forms and fee information.
Immigration Resources

A collection of links to valuable immigration-related resources. You’ll find links to immigrations forms, guides, laws, and news, as well as USCIS and Dept. of Homeland Security resources.

U.S. Embassy & Consulate Guide

A comprehensive list of links to U.S. embassies and consular offices throughout the world. Find the embassy near you to learn about its location and hours of operation, as well as the services offered.
Information for Employers

Employers should take adequate steps to ensure that their employees aren’t in the U.S. in violation of federal immigration laws. This section includes a number of resources to help employers comply with federal law.