Overview of the U.S. Immigration System
U.S. Immigration System Explained | Immigrant-Lawyer.com
Learn how the U.S. immigration system works — including visas, green cards, asylum, and the roles of USCIS, ICE, and CBP. Trusted legal insights.
Navigating the U.S. immigration system can feel overwhelming. With multiple government agencies, visa categories, and legal processes, understanding how everything works is essential to a successful immigration journey.
Key Agencies Involved
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): Handles most immigration benefits like visas, green cards, and citizenship.
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): Enforces immigration laws and manages detention and deportation.
- Customs and Border Protection (CBP): Controls entry at borders, airports, and seaports.
- Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR): Manages immigration courts and appeals.
Immigration Categories
- Family-Based Immigration: Sponsorship by U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
- Employment-Based Immigration: Visas for workers, investors, and talent.
- Humanitarian Relief: Asylum, refugee status, and protections for victims.
- Diversity Visa Lottery: A program for nationals of underrepresented countries.
- Special Programs: TPS, DACA, and others for specific populations.
Immigration Status Types
- Nonimmigrant (Temporary): For students, tourists, temporary workers.
- Immigrant (Permanent Resident): Green card holders on the path to citizenship.
- Undocumented: Those without lawful status, often vulnerable to deportation.
Immigration Benefits
- Employment authorization
- Family reunification
- Lawful permanent residency
- U.S. citizenship
Understanding the basics of the immigration system is the first step toward achieving your American dream. At Immigrant-Lawyer.com, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.