U.S. immigration law applies to individuals who are seeking to enter or reside in the United States. This includes a wide range of people, including:
- Non-U.S. citizens: Anyone who is not a U.S. citizen and wishes to visit, work, study, or live in the United States is subject to U.S. immigration law.
- Immigrants: People who want to move permanently to the United States with the intention of becoming lawful permanent residents (green card holders) or U.S. citizens fall under U.S. immigration law.
- Nonimmigrants: Individuals who wish to visit the U.S. temporarily for various purposes, such as tourism, business, education, or temporary work, also come under U.S. immigration law.
- Refugees and Asylees: Individuals fleeing persecution or seeking protection from harm in their home country may apply for refugee status or asylum in the United States, and they are subject to U.S. immigration law.
- Undocumented immigrants: People who enter or reside in the U.S. without proper authorization or overstaying their visa are considered undocumented immigrants and are subject to immigration enforcement.
- Dual citizens: Even though a person may hold dual citizenship (U.S. citizenship and citizenship of another country), U.S. immigration law still applies to their actions when entering or leaving the United States.
It’s important to note that U.S. immigration law is complex and subject to change, and the specific requirements and procedures for different types of visas, immigration statuses, and applications can vary. Immigration matters are handled by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the U.S. Department of State (DOS), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and other relevant government agencies.