While having a basic understanding is very helpful, if you are in need of fuller understanding and implementation of US immigration law, it is a wise and prudent course to seek out the counsel of a US immigration attorney. Such a qualified and experienced attorney can be invaluable in explaining how many of the subtle nuances that are found in its law will have an enormous impact on your business.

Immigration is defined, in general terms of US immigration law, as the act of someone entering a country that is other than their home country, with the declared intention of eventually becoming a permanent resident in the new country for the purposes of living and working.

Those who intend to emigrate from their homelands and immigrate to the United States are those who have the intention of staying within the boarders of the United States for an extended time period. Usually on a permanent basis and often with the intention to apply for US citizenship.

The overall scope and purpose of US immigration law covers a wide range of issues and concerns faced by the current citizens and the government of the United States. Even during the very first days of the establishment of the country of America, it was obvious that there would have to be some kind of limitations on the persons that would be allowed to immigrate.

With the homeland security issues since the tragedy of September 11, 2001, and recent political turmoil over the topic, the limitations have changed and become somewhat more stringent.

Some of the stated purposes of them are as follows:

1) Grant and define immigration status;

2) Control the admission of new aliens to the US;

3) Establish criteria for removing aliens and under what circumstances they are to be deported;

4) Outline the terms for an alien being allowed to stay on US soil;

5) Provide immigrants and aliens with various benefits and rights;

6) Set up a system for administrative and judicial review of immigration procedures and proceedings;

7) Create criminal and civil liability and power to enforce the policy.

Such a diverse and wide ranging group of topics is part of what can make US immigration law very confusing in its complexity. Of particular importance, especially to employers, is understanding how these different aspects of the law all work together, which is as important as understanding the law as a whole.

It is also crucial to have a grasp of how the United States Constitution, the US congress, the Immigration and Nationality Act and the various government agencies that are responsible for interpreting and enforcing the law all work together and have an impact on the implementation of its law.

A compete comprehension of US immigration law requires a good understanding of the sources of the law and the implementation of policy by the various organizations that are involved in enforcing the statues. It is essential that all employers have at least a fundamental grasp of this area of US law.