U.S. Government Agencies
U.S. Immigration law is complex. The implementation and enforcement of these laws is also complex and involves multiple federal agencies. Complicating matters further is that immigration laws, along with the implementation and enforcement of these laws, change frequently. It is critical that one understand what each agency does and how the agencies interact when addressing immigration matters. Ronzio & Associates has been handling immigration cases for over 25 years and has helped thousands of clients achieve their dreams. Schedule a free consultation with us by calling 866.441.1458
U.S. Department of State
The U.S. Department of State is the executive department that implements and oversees U.S. foreign policy. It assists other U.S. agencies such as the Department of Defense, Department of Commerce, and the Department of Homeland Security in protecting and advancing U.S. interests throughout the world. It also provides an array of services to U.S. citizens and foreigners seeking entry into the United States including overseeing the approval or denial of visa applications.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is responsible for the overall security of the United States. Its main purpose is to prevent, prepare, and respond to domestic emergencies with primary focus on combating terrorism. It was formed after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York. The DHS is the umbrella company for several agencies including the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These agencies work together to determine who can enter the country on a temporary or permanent basis.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the administrative component of United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It processes employment and family based petitions, adjudicates asylum and refugee claims, grants or denies permanent resident status and citizenship applications, and manages all other immigration benefit functions formally performed by the INS. It is the agency that many immigration lawyers deal with the most.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the largest law enforcement component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It oversees the enforcement of U.S. regulations pertaining to trade customs, and immigration with primary emphasis focused on preventing terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering the country. They are also responsible for screening and apprehending individuals attempting to enter the country illegally.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is the primary investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It is in charge of identifying and stopping vulnerabilities in the nation’s border, economic, transportation, and infrastructure security. It also oversees and controls illegal immigrant detention and removal operations.
U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
U.S. companies and organizations are permitted to employ foreign workers either temporarily or permanently to fulfill certain types of jobs provided the employer files for labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). Foreign citizens will not be able to obtain a visa to legally work in the United States without a labor certification from the DOL.
If you are contemplating handling your own immigration case, be aware you will be held to the same standard as if it were handled by an experienced immigration lawyer. Also be aware that innocent mistakes on submissions can have devastating consequences. Do not risk it. Contact Ronzio & Associates to speak with a knowledgeable immigration lawyer about your immigration-related legal matters.