Immigration Relevant Forms

Individuals who intend to immigrate to the US face potentially serious consequences should they obtain inaccurate or incomplete advice. It is possible that he or she will have to leave the US and start over again in another country. Family relationships and friendships are threatened and employment opportunities may be lost. Deportation is a very real consequence for those who don't address certain factors. Hiring immigration services not performed by a licensed attorney may put you at risk. If you or someone you know is at risk of deportation or is uncertain of the impact of filing an immigration petition, contact an immigration law attorney to ensure that everything possible will be done to preserve your rights.

The importance of bringing and keeping family together can't be understated. For a US citizen who marries, or wants to marry, a foreign national, or who wants to adopt a foreign child, there are procedures to be followed, forms to be filled out, and fees to be paid. If you, or someone you know, has married or is planning to marry a foreign national or plans to adopt a foreign child, contact an immigration lawyer today.

Immigration law is extremely complex. In addition to the often-amended Immigration and Nationality Act, there are Operating Instructions and Interpretations that supplement and clarify the Act. Administrative decisions from the Board of Immigration Appeals also impact immigration processes. If you, or someone you know, is dealing with an immigration issue, don't go it alone - contact an immigration law attorney as soon as possible.

Immigration procedures, like federal tax filings, require specific forms. If the wrong form is filed, it can substantially delay your case. A knowledgeable immigration attorney can guide you to the most current and valid procedures to avoid problems with your case. An attorney can also advise you on the appropriate fees to be paid, and can help you determine if you qualify for a fee waiver. If you are in the midst of an immigration matter, contact an immigration lawyer to discuss your case.

Louisville, Kentucky, Immigration Attorney

The United States immigration process in complex and there are many ways to stumble. If you are considering filing for a temporary or permanent visa, need help with an asylum petition or have any other immigration law concern in the Louisville, Kentucky, area, you want a lawyer who fully understands U.S. immigration laws, who can advise you of all your options, and who will protect your interests throughout the process.

Immigration attorney John Vickerstaff is skilled at helping immigrants who want to stay and live in the United States. Contact our Louisville office to schedule a consultation to discuss your immigration issues. We will advise you of your rights and your risks in confidence.

To learn more about the scope of our practice, see our immigration. To learn more about your rights in an immigration proceeding, see the information provided below.

Government Agencies and Their Duties

More than one U.S. government agency is involved with implementing and enforcing U.S. immigration law and policy. Given the complexity of U.S. immigration law, it is important to understand which federal agencies handle which types of immigration matters. Contact Vickerstaff Law Office, PSC in Louisville, KY to schedule a consultation with an experienced immigration attorney.

U.S. Department of State

The Department of State is the lead U.S. foreign-affairs agency, primarily charged with developing and implementing foreign policy. However, it is also involved in some immigration affairs — primarily, issuing visas. The State Department oversees U.S. consulates and embassies abroad that are responsible for processing, and approving or denying visa applications.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The DHS is the umbrella organization created in 2002 to coordinate the country's efforts to combat terrorism. Most of the agencies handling immigration-related matters are now part of the DHS. One of the most important changes with the creation of the DHS was the founding of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agencies.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

The USCIS is a branch of DHS and the primary agency dealing with immigration matters. The USCIS took on the immigration responsibilities of the former Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) in 2003.

In general, the USCIS is in charge of all immigration-related applications and authorizations for foreign individuals seeking to lawfully enter the country, as well as for those who are already inside the borders of the United States seeking to lawfully stay or change their legal status. It has the power to authorize or deny admission to the United States, working with U.S. embassies and consulates abroad.

The USCIS deals with:

Family-based petitions
Employment-based petitions
Asylum and refugee processing
International adoptions
Naturalization process for citizenship
Approving changes in immigrant status
Approving extensions for nonimmigrant visas

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

Like the USCIS, U.S. Customs and Border Protection was established in 2003 as a branch of DHS. CBP has the combined missions of several previous agencies with broad responsibility for border protection, not only as it concerns the flow of traveling people, but also for the safe importation of goods. In carrying out is mission, CBP is charged with preventing terrorist and criminal activity on the U.S. borders. One of the CBP's most important initiatives is identifying and refusing entry to people or cargo that may pose risk to U.S. citizens.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

Under DHS, the law-enforcement functions of the former U.S. Customs Service, the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), the Federal Protective Service and the Federal Air Marshals Service were merged into ICE. Now ICE is the primary law enforcement, investigative and intelligence agency responsible for identifying and eliminating vulnerabilities in the nation's border, economic, transportation and infrastructure security. ICE also has authority over illegal immigrant detention and removal.

U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)

The Department of Labor promotes the welfare of workers by improving working conditions and advancing employment opportunities. Employers seeking to hire certain classes of permanent employees and temporary workers who are foreign nationals must file for labor certification from the DOL prior to hiring them. Without the appropriate labor certification, foreign workers will be unable to secure visas and enter the U.S. to work legally.

Conclusion

Understanding the interplay of the various relevant government organizations is important to a full understanding of U.S. immigration policy. Contact Vickerstaff Law Office, PSC in Louisville, KY to speak with a knowledgeable immigration lawyer about your immigration-related legal matters.

DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.

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Vickerstaff Law Office, PSC
1930 Bishop Lane Suite 410
Louisville, KY 40218
Telephone: (502) 442-2039 or (888) 832-2944
Fax: (502) 491-0719
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Louisville immigration attorney serving immigrant, refugee, asylum, and out-of-status clients in Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana, including Paducah, Frankfort, Lexington, Owensboro, Bowling Green, and Shelbyville KY, Cincinnati OH, and Indianapolis, Evansville, Anderson, Madison, Bedford, and Bloomington IN.