Immigration Laws And How They Have Changed

Immigration Law Has Undergone Many Changes

The first regulations that were ever imposed on aliens was the 1952 Immigration and Naturalization Act. The INS, as it was known, was a federal agency who's duty it was to enforce immigration law. Since the attacks on the World Trade Center buildings this agency has been replaced by the Department of Homeland Security.

Under the heading of Homeland Security are three agencies that work hand in hand to enforce the now more stringent laws. There is the U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; the U. S. Customs and Border Enforcement; and the U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. They are the driving force behind Homeland Security.

There are two ways in which a person can become a U. S. Citizen. The first way is by birth and the second is by naturalization. The alien person can be no younger than 18 years of age; be a resident of the U. S. By means of having a green card; and have residency of at least five years before applying for naturalization.

In cases where an alien has one parent that is a U. S. Citizen, or when an alien marries a citizen of the United States, this relative of the American can apply for citizenship based on their relationship. The U. S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will be the agency that decides on the ruling. If by chance the application should be denied, an appeal can be filed. If the appeal is denied a second time, the alien then has the right to take their appeal to the District Court.

The events of 9/11 saw the Patriot Act signed into law. The initial reason for enacting this ruling was for protection against terrorists. Still, this had a great impact on immigration law as well. Law enforcement agencies are now able to do a complete search of telephone, financial, and medical records as well as any computer correspondence. This same Act allows that any alien can be detained if there is any belief that they are part of a terror plot. These rulings have been questioned but they remain in effect to this day.

The Patriot Act and other legislation that has been passed since 9/11 has had a dramatic effect on the immigrant population. Laws are complicated and obtaining a fiance visa is more difficult due to the increase in regulation as well as other requirements that need to be met. It is advised that retaining an immigration lawyer would be in your best interests.

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Immigration Services - Better Opportunities at Your Door Step

Every student wishes to study in aboard at renowned colleges and universities. Studying aboard will not just provide them better education but they will also be able to understand other cultures and meet different people of different parts of the world. However, to fulfill the dream to study in aboard may not be possible for every student as one may have to undergo several formalities. But with the various immigration services available these days, students can immigrate to any country with minimal formalities and full of reliability.

The students who are willing to immigrate will have to provide legal documents. By avail the immigration services you can get admitted in any of your favorite wide spread universities and colleges located in any part of the world. You just have to pick your favorite college and the specific course that you wish to take up. Individual colleges and universities have their own set of rules and procedures to take admission. Some colleges offers full job placement after completion of the courses while some does not. Thus, it is important that a student go through them prior to taking any decision so that they can make a better choice.

While availing the immigration services, you will have to go through certain formalities. First you will have to fill in forms where you will need to provide all the information required. The documents that is required while immigration include certificates of previous studies, any achievements in sports or music, proof of legal citizenship and so on. You will come across various online immigration service providers who are available round the clock at your service to guide you with your immigration. Seek them for added information.

With advanced education in aboard, student can easily achieve biggest achievement and better opportunity to enter in multinational companies. All these are made possible by the immigration services. These services will guide you to find the right way towards success and let you get the advantage to go abroad and study advanced courses.

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Specialist Immigration Lawyers Based In South Africa

Immigration services are important for foreigners wanting to move to or visit here. The correct support and information can seriously assist in making the process much less daunting and more manageable.

There are three main immigration services which can be dealt with:

* the acquisition of both temporary and residence permits for here;
* legal services for immigration;
* and immigration litigation services.

The Acquisition of Temporary and Residence Permits for South Africa

South African Visas are essential, whether it's for a temporary or permanent stay. The permits available include:

* less than 3 months;
* more than 3 months but less than 3 years;
* business;
* study;
* student;
* work;
* spousal;
* and retirement.

Initially, an immigration lawyer will check your eligibility and decide on the best method to achieve the permit. This immigration service involves:

* A thorough consultation to ascertain eligibility
* Advice into legalities of the procedure
* A discussion into the methods of immigration available
* Preparation of the permit including all relevant documents
* Regular update reports as to the status of the permit
* Once cleared, collection of the permit and delivery to the client

Legal Services for Immigration

As well as dealing with immigration permits, the specialist lawyers also handle legal issues surrounding the Immigration Act. This includes areas like detention, deportation and exemptions. The immigration services provided are:

* Section 31 applications
* Applications which is concerned with immigration exemptions
* Section 32 status applications
* The application of section 8 which deals with the right to appeals and representation
* Enforcing section 8, 34 and 41 which protect against illegal detention and deportation

Immigration Litigation Services

This is important for defending a client's rights should any false allegations or illegal procedures be made against them. Immigration services within this field include:

* Magistrate Court Attendances:

* dealing with criminal charges and immigration offences in term of the Immigration and Criminal Procedure Acts in South Africa;
* applications and attendances for bail in conjunction with the Criminal Procedure Act in South Africa;
* criminal charges against immigration officers;
* withdrawal of criminal charges through representation to the State Prosecutor;
* and wrongful arrests or prosecution due to officials or the Department of Home Affairs in there.

* High and Constitutional Court Attendances:

* any oversights carried out by the official in South Africa or the Department of Home Affairs concerning administrative immigration decisions or actions.
* court applications, both urgent and non-urgent;
* and wrongful arrests or prosecution which ends in detention or deportation dealt with by officials or the Department of Home Affairs in South Africa.

Immigration services are available to assist throughout the immigration process. Whether it concerns South African Visas or legal issues, specialists can provide the support and advice required.

When looking into visiting South Africa or staying permanently within the country it is worth contacting specialist lawyers for assistance and advice. However, the range of immigration services available extends out further than simply Visas: they can advise and support you with any legal issues that may arise concerning your application or stay in South Africa.

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