Immigration Law

Federal Law

Iimmigration law in the United States is derived from a combination of statutes, regulations, and court decisions, creating a complex legal framework governing the entry, stay, and removal of foreign nationals. Currently, the primary source of federal immigration law is the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), Pub. L. No 82-214, 66 Stat. 163, 8 U.S.C. § 1101 et seq. (2000). The INA outlines the criteria for obtaining visas, adjusting status, and becoming a U.S. citizen, as well as specifying the grounds for deportation. The INA is codified in Title 8 of the United States Code.

In addition to the INA, immigration law is shaped by regulations issued by federal agencies such as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). These regulations provide detailed instructions for applying laws and ensuring compliance, making them an essential tool for immigration practice.

Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)

The INA has been codified in Title 8 of the United States Code. There are several places you can find the text of the INA using either print or online sources. Print versions of the official United States Code, Westlaw/Thomson Reuter's United States Code Annotated, and Lexis's United States Code Service are available on the first floor of the Law Library.

You can also find the United States Code online from the following sources:

Tracking Legislation

Track Congressional changes to immigration law online using Congress.gov, on GovTrack.US, or by using the resources listes below: