What is the history of immigration law in the United States, and if I plan on moving to the United States from another country should I find an immigration attorney in the Dallas TX area?
Immigration laws originated during colonial times and the individual colonies created their own independent immigration laws. Wikipedia reports that the Naturalization Act of 1790 was the first attempt to naturalize foreigners. Years later the Chinese Exclusion Act was passed to keep Chinese people from immigrating into the country. Quotas to limit the number of immigrants and how many were permitted based on nationality and previous years immigration began in 1921.
Then in 1952, the Immigration and Naturalization Service was created following the passage of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The Department of Homeland Security replaced the Immigration and Naturalization Service. The Department of Homeland Security is responsible for enforcing immigration laws and overseeing lawful immigration to the United States.
Wikipedia also reports that “Presently, visas in the United States can be broadly separated into two categories: one for people seeking to live in the US; termed Immigrant Visas, and the other for people coming for limited durations, termed Non-Immigrant Visas. The former visa has “per country-caps”, and the latter does not. Most non-immigrant visas are for work purposes, and usually require an offer of employment from a US business. Such immigration may involve restrictions such as a labor certification to ensure that no American workers are presently able to fill the role of the job, hence designed to protect wages and conditions. Other categories include student, family, and tourist visas. Each visa category is presently further divided into numerous subcategories; a large number of specific categories have been recommended as the main area for comprehensive immigration reform.
The United States allows more than 1 million aliens to become Legal Permanent Residents every year, which is more than any other country in the world. The United States also issues more Visas than any country in the world.”
Do you think you need an immigration attorney in the Dallas TX area? If you are dealing with any type of immigration issue it is prudent to hire a lawyer specializing in immigration law.
AVVO.com indicates that “Immigration attorneys (sometimes called “green card lawyers”) represent people who want to come to the United States, whether it be for schooling, work, or just a visit. Immigration lawyers can also help “illegal” immigrants found living in the U.S. without permission. Immigration laws govern who can enter the U.S., how long they can stay, what they can do while they are here, and how they can become American citizens. If you are not a U.S. citizen and want to apply for a green card or another visa, or if you are already in the U.S. and have been threatened with deportation, an immigration lawyer can help you.” According to their site if you’re looking for an immigration attorney in the Dallas TX area you’ll have 325 to choose from. Whew, that’s simply confusing!
Rather than starting down a monstrous list searching from one law firm to the next for an immigration attorney in the Dallas TX area, we suggest that you avoid analysis paralysis and contact us at The Christensen Law Firm. Why pick The Christensen Law Firm over the other 300+ attorneys in the Dallas area? By design we are and will continue to remain a small firm so that our clients receive the personal service that they deserve. We offer a caring, professional attitude with a family feeling among our partners and staff. We are committed to offering affordable prices for our clients and the individual attention you deserve.