This module provides basic information on Federal Immigration Law and Enforcement Agencies
- The Federal government has exclusive jurisdiction over immigration law. See Arizona v. United States, 567 U.S. 387 (2012).
- U.S. immigration law is very complex.
- The Immigration and Naturalization Act (INA) is the body of law governing current immigration policy.
- Immigration to the United States is based upon: the reunification of families, admitting immigrants with skills that are valuable to the U.S. economy, protecting refugees, and promoting diversity.
- Resource – American Immigration Council: How the United States Immigration System Works.
Immigration status is important, as it determines a person’s:
Vulnerability to removal- Right to work legally
- Ability to petition for family members
- Right to get a Social Security number
- Eligibility for public benefits
- Right to vote
Immigration law applies to all non U.S. citizens.
All are governed by federal immigration law.
