Immigration Lawyers in Houston, Texas – U.S. Immigrant Visa Attorney
United States Immigration Law Overview
All of us in America are affected in one way or another by the
immigration laws of this country, as are some people who do not
live in America but who wish to work here or live here. These immigrations
laws change from time to time, and they are subject to interpretation
by the agencies and the courts. It is usually a wise decision, therefore,
for a company or a person who is seeking benefits or protection
related to the immigration laws of this country to obtain competent
legal representation.
The Foundation of Immigration Law Today: Immigration and Nationality
Act (INA)
Until 1875, alien immigration to the United States was not restricted.
In that year, a law was passed to bar convicts and prostitutes from
immigrating to America. More laws were passed over the years in
order to control immigration, and in 1952, Congress passed the Immigration
and Nationality Act. Although it has been amended many times, it
still serves as the foundation for immigration law as we know it
today. Its provisions and the regulations issued under it are part
of Title 8 of the United States Code and the Code of Federal Regulations.
Employment Eligibility Required: Immigration Reform and Control
Act (IRCA)
Not everyone is eligible to work in the United States. Congress
has specified that employers can not knowingly hire workers who
do not have proper documentation to work in this country. Under
the IRCA, an employer must verify that a person is eligible to work
here before hiring him or her. This is done through an Employment
Verification System. The Employment Verification System is intended
to help state and federal governments in their efforts to identify
aliens who are living in America unlawfully. It is also intended
to help identify people who may be here lawfully, but who are not
authorized to work under the terms of their visas.
The Laws Get Tougher: Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant
Responsibility Act (IIRIRA)
In 1996, Congress passed IIRIRA with the intention of making immigration
laws in America stronger. This statute addressed things like border
control, penalties for violating immigration laws, and enforcement
of immigration laws. It also addressed apprehension and detention
of aliens, as well as removal proceedings and voluntary departures
of aliens.
Anti-Terrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act (AEDPA)
Long before the events of September 11, 2001, Congress enacted
AEDPA. This 1996 statute was enacted to deter terrorism, provide
justice for victims, and provide for an effective death penalty,
among other things.
Protection for Immigrants: Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement
Act and Battered Immigrant Women's Act
One purpose of these laws is to help protect spouses and children
of American citizens and lawful permanent residents who are victims
of domestic violence or other cruel acts. These statutes may provide
protection from removal proceedings, and allow an abused spouse
or child to seek immediate relative or family-based second-preference
status to remain in the United States.
Post 911: Homeland Security Act (HSA)
After the terrible events of September 11, 2001, Congress enacted
HSA. Under this statute, the Department of Homeland Security was
established so that a single agency would be responsible for coordinating
the efforts of designated government agencies to protect our country
from terrorist attacks. This action by Congress also created the
United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and the
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agencies. USCIS replaced the
Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), and is responsible
for adjudicating visa petitions and related immigration matters.
CBP is responsible for border control, which includes such things
as detention and expedited removal, and deciding who can enter the
country.
The Bottom Line on Immigration Law
Immigration law is complex and can be confusing. Significant rights
and significant risks are at stake. The advice of a competent immigration
law firm can therefore be very important.
DISCLAIMER
This web site, and all information on it, is intended for informational
purposes only. No one should interpret it as being legal advice.
Instead, each person should seek the advice of an attorney to obtain
legal advice on any matter.
Texas Immigration Attorneys - Immigrant Visa Lawyers
Immigration law is complex, confusing and constantly changing.
Unless you are aware of the potential opportunities and pitfalls
in the law, dealing with the United States Citizenship and Immigration
Service (USCIS) can be a long, frustrating process. Applications
are routinely denied for minor errors or omissions in the large
amount of required paperwork. This is why so many people rely upon
the services of a skilled immigration law attorney.
To learn more about immigration law, please review the general
information we have provided. To speak with an experienced immigration
attorney, please contact the
Houston immigration law attorneys at The Solomon Firm, P.C. today.
Call for a free telephone consultation and if appropriate a free office consultation where we can obtain the details necessary to evaluate and handle your case.
Credit Cards Accepted •
Payment Plans • Competitive Fees
|
