The main purpose of immigration lawyers in this country is to help those from outside of the U.S. to gain legal status within the U.S. They are specialized in immigration law, keep up to date on legal issues pertaining to immigration and do their best to make a lengthy process shorter.

What is immigration law? U.S. Immigration law is an ever-changing compilation of standards that regulates the legal citizenship status of people within the U.S. It is regulated by five major Unites States government agencies such as the INS (now the Department of Homeland Security and its three branches). It is also governed by four separate Acts:

* Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 * Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 * Immigration Act of 1990 * Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996

As you can see, immigration law regularly undergoes changes.

Why would I need an immigration lawyer? Due to the significance and permanence of immigration matters and due to the complexity of U.S. immigration law, it is advisable to use an attorney when attempting to resolve immigration matters. Each immigration matter is unique and surrounded by unique circumstances, with no "one size fits all" solution. Experienced immigration lawyers are familiar with similar cases and are able to apply acceptable and relevant structure to each immigration case.

Typically, immigration issues are heavily laden with multitudes of forms and important, necessary paperwork. Lack of familiarity with these forms can cause lengthy delays in certain matters. An experienced lawyer can untangle the maze of forms and paperwork and get to the core of the case.

In addition, immigration matters are serious and can have lasting ramifications. For the quickest resolution of these matters, certain protocols are in place. While other issues regarding immigration matters may occur, the naturalization and visa application processes are valuable services best expedited by immigration lawyers.

What does an immigration lawyer do? Complex issues such as facilitating residency, resolving green card issues, applying for visas, resolving employment and investment opportunities, and others are all issues that immigration lawyers regularly deal with. An experienced lawyer knows what agency to address and what paperwork to complete, as well as how to proceed when resolving immigration issues.

These are some of the most common the immigration lawyer issues:

* NAFTA handbook and applications * Intra-company transferee (L-1) petitions * Specialty worker (h1B) petitions * Treaty Investor (E-2) Visas * Treaty Investor (EB-5) Visas * Business Visitor (B-1) Visa * Visitors for Pleasure (B-2) Visas * Lawful Permanent Residence (Green Card) Status * Labor Certification * Immigration Court Proceedings (Removal Proceedings) * Family and Employment Immigration

There are certain immigration matters that cannot be initiated without an attorney. Specifically, INS detainee lawsuits and INS jailed family members are federal issues for which defendants must have legal representation.

What do I need to know about immigration before applying? A defined number of people are permitted to immigrate into the United States each year. Because the number of immigrants allowed is much lower than the numbers that are applying, it's important that every detail be submitted in acceptable form and with properly completed documentation. Even a small error can result in lengthy delays.

Whether you use an immigration lawyer or fill out the documentation on your own, you want to make sure that you have everything correct and every bit of supporting documentation you'll need.

Immigration lawyers are especially effective in dealing with immigration, emigration, visas, green cards, political asylum and naturalization. For clients who are serious about their immigration rights, retaining a lawyer can assure those rights are protected and that the application process goes smoothly.DISCLAIMER: This article is not written by an immigration lawyer, is not intended as legal advice, and should not be construed by the reader as legal advice. If you seek e2 investor visa advice, or advice on any of the topics discussed herein, please consult with PowerVisa.com today.