{"id":352806,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:25","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/immigration\/immigration-laws-and-resources\/immigration-government-agencies.html"},"modified":"2026-05-01T22:05:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-02T03:05:00","slug":"immigration-government-agencies","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/immigration-laws-and-resources\/immigration-government-agencies.html","title":{"rendered":"Which Government Agencies Manage Immigration? A Complete Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Which Government Agencies Manage Immigration? A Complete Guide<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Amber Sheppard, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Gaining lawful entry into the U.S. is a multifaceted process. It involves different government agencies<\/span>, regulations, and federal immigration laws<\/span>. Together, these agencies regulate lawful entry, oversee immigration benefits<\/span>, and enforce compliance with U.S. <\/span>immigration laws<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Several government agencies<\/span> enforce federal immigration laws<\/span>, each responsible for a different part of the immigration system<\/span>. Different agencies manage applications, border security<\/span>, visa<\/span> processing, labor certification, and immigration court<\/span> proceedings.<\/p>\n

Understanding these agencies\u2019 functions simplifies your immigration process<\/span> and helps you move through the process more efficiently. It also helps you avoid delays by directing your questions and paperwork to the right place and knowing which agencies will make key decisions in your case.<\/p>\n

This article explains federal immigration laws<\/span> and the various roles of the federal agencies<\/span> that regulate and enforce them. You can also talk to an immigration attorney<\/a> near you for legal advice tailored to your situation. An attorney can also communicate with agencies like USCIS<\/span>, ICE<\/span>, or the State Department<\/span> on your behalf.<\/p>\n

Federal Agencies<\/span> That Oversee Immigration Matters<\/span><\/h2>\n

The federal government<\/span> handles enforcing U.S. <\/span>immigration laws<\/span>. For instance, the\u00a0Immigration and Nationality Act<\/span> (INA<\/span>)<\/a>\u00a0is the primary legal resource governing admissions of noncitizens into the United States. The INA<\/span> also issues sanctions for those who violate immigration laws<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Various U.S. government agencies<\/span> handle immigration matters<\/span>. Each has a specific role in handling migrants coming into the United States. These agencies are vital in enforcing immigration policies<\/span>, facilitating lawful entry into the U.S., and ensuring public safety. Keep reading to learn more about these agencies and their responsibilities.<\/p>\n

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security<\/span> (DHS<\/span>)<\/h3>\n

The\u00a0U.S. Department of Homeland Security<\/span> (DHS<\/span>)<\/a>\u00a0is a crucial U.S. government agency<\/span>. DHS<\/span> plays a vital role in the administration of the immigration system<\/span> in the United States.<\/p>\n

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services<\/span> (USCIS<\/span>)<\/h3>\n

Created in 2003, the\u00a0U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services<\/span> (USCIS<\/span>)<\/a>\u00a0is a branch of the DHS<\/span>. USCIS<\/span> handles all immigration-related<\/span> applications and authorizations for foreign people inside the United States. This includes:<\/p>\n