Government Agencies and Their Duties

One of the main ways to become a legal permanent resident is through family sponsorship. You can be sponsored by a US citizen spouse, parent, adult child or sibling. If you have questions about the process for obtaining a green card, contact our office to speak with a knowledgeable immigration attorney.

Ready to Help with Any Immigration Issue

At the suburban Philadelphia, Pennsylvania law firm of Solnick & Levin, LLC, we help clients to resolve all types of immigration law issues. Immigration is a complex area of law that requires the skill of an experienced and aggressive lawyer to ensure that the application is completed correctly and address any issues that may arise during the process.

We are proud of our reputation for providing personalized service and attention to every client. Attorney Christina Crudden, Esquire, works directly with every client and takes the time to explain your rights and legal options. She will give you the information you need to make an informed decision. If you hire us, we will be with you throughout the process, completing any necessary applications and other necessary paperwork, providing sound advice and letting you know your options, and helping you to prepare for any court appearances or testimony as may be required.

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Contact the suburban Philadelphia, Pennsylvania law firm of Solnick & Levin, LLC to learn more about how we can help you. We provide comprehensive immigration services to clients throughout Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey.

Don't put your dreams on hold any longer and don't delay in seeking sound advice and representation. The suburban Philadelphia, Pennsylvania law firm of Solnick & Levin, LLC has helped numerous clients get on the path to U.S. citizenship and with any other immigration-related needs they have. We will help you understand the process, provide the best possible advice and get you started with any necessary applications.

More than one US government agency is involved with implementing and enforcing US immigration law and policy. Given the complexity of US immigration law, it is important to understand which federal agencies are involved with which types of immigration matters. Contact Solnick & Levin, LLC in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania to schedule a consultation with an experienced immigration attorney.

US Department of State

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

US 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 creation of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services and US Customs and Border Protection agencies.

The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

The USCIS is a branch of the Department of Homeland Security ("DHS") and is the primary agency dealing with immigration. The USCIS replaced the Immigration and Naturalization Service ("INS") in 2003.

In general, the USCIS is in charge of all immigration-related applications and authorizations for foreign individuals who are inside the borders of the United States. It has the power to authorize or deny admission to the United States, even if the potential immigrant has received a valid visa from a US embassy or consulate 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

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

Like the USCIS, US Customs and Border Protection is a branch of the Department of Homeland Security. It is now the unified border agency that combines the inspection and border authority of the US Border Patrol, US Customs, US Immigration and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. It is charged with facilitating legitimate trade and preventing terrorist and criminal activity on the US borders. One of the CBP's most important initiatives is identifying and refusing entry to people or cargo that may pose a risk to US citizens.

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

When the Department of Homeland Security was established, the law enforcement functions of the US Customs Service, which include investigative and intelligence resources, the Immigration and Naturalization Service, the Federal Protective Service and the Federal Air Marshals Service, were merged into ICE. Now it is the primary investigative branch responsible for identifying and eliminating vulnerabilities in the nation's border, economic, transportation and infrastructure security. It also has authority over illegal immigrant detention and removal.

US 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 must file for a labor certification from the DOL prior to hiring the foreign nationals. Without the appropriate labor certification, foreign workers will be unable to secure visas and enter the US.

Conclusion

Understanding the interplay of the various government organizations involved in implementing the law is important to a full understanding of US immigration policy. Contact Solnick & Levin, LLC in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania to speak with a knowledgeable immigration attorney 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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