Immigration law refers to national government policies which control the phenomenon of immigration to their country. Immigration law regarding foreign citizens is related to nationality law, which governs the legal status of people in matters such as citizenship. Immigration laws vary from country to country, as well as according to the political climate of the times, as sentiments may sway from the widely inclusive to the deeply exclusive of new immigrants.
Immigration law regarding the citizens of a country is regulated by international law. The United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights mandates that all countries allow entry to its own citizens. Certain countries may maintain rather strict laws that regulate both the right of entry and internal rights, such as the duration of stay and the right to participate in government.
Practice Areas:
- B1/B2 (Tourist or Business) – These visas apply to foreign nationals seeking to enter the United States as tourists for pleasure (B2) or for business purposes (B1).
- E1/E2 (Treaty Traders and Treaty Investors) – There are treaties that exist between the United States and numerous other countries that allow for their citizens and nationals to secure a visa to the U.S. for conducting trade (E1) or for managing their substantial financial business investments (E2).
- H1B (Professional Workers) – These visas are for workers who possess at least a four-year degree or qualifying experience wherein they must apply a highly specialized theoretical body of knowledge in their profession.
- L1A/L1B (Intra-company Transferees) – These visas are designed for companies who have employees oversees with affiliate or subsidiary companies who they seek to employ in the United States temporarily. These visas may also be used for foreign companies that want to set up a new office in the United States.
- O1/O2 – These visas are for foreign nationals who have achieved recognition as having outstanding ability in the arts, education, business or sports. These individuals are typically able to demonstrate sustained national and international recognition in their particular field of endeavor.
- P1/P2 – These visas are for foreign nationals who are active participants in professional sporting events. Similar to the O visas, these individuals must generally demonstrate a high level of achievement in their sport.