Immigration law deals with the process of determining the legal citizenship or status of an individual who wishes to live in any country foreign to their birth. All countries have different immigration laws defining visiting restrictions and the various processes involved in gaining naturalization. Countries, such as the U.S, have stricter immigration laws due to the great influx of foreigners wishing to gain residence or citizenship, and the current state of national security.

For a person who wishes to obtain legal status to visit, live and/or work in a foreign country, immigration law attorneys are often sought to inform prospective immigrants about current laws that dictate their legal status and/or the process of naturalization or permanent residence. There are many types of visas (documentation granting temporary residence in a country) available for a variety of circumstances. Immigration law lawyers can advise a potential immigrant of the proper visa to acquire while also assisting in possible scenarios that may arise from the stipulations or restrictions of certain visas. Some visas permit people to live and work in a certain country while others are only granted for visiting purposes and restrict immigrants from seeking employment.

Immigration law attorneys also help those who encounter legal trouble when they are visiting a country. Along with possible legal recourse that a law violation may incur, the possibility of deportation looms large in these instances because all visas have stipulations that prevent a person from violating the law. Immigration law attorneys are knowledgeable in regards to helping an immigrant retain their current naturalization without losing the privileges of being in a country.

In the U.S, immigration has become a heated topic when discussing the types of people who are allowed access into the country. Since the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City on September 11, 2001 that killed over 3000 people, more actions have been taken to carefully monitor those who are granted access to this country. The distribution of visas has come under enormous scrutiny and, as a result, more and more people from other countries trying to come to the U.S. are doing so illegally. Illegal immigrants who are seeking refuge in the U.S. are being deported immediately if discovered which disrupts the lives for those who have started families and careers.

With the recent focus of national attention on immigration law, the legal representation of an attorney to help with naturalization issues is more important than ever. Immigration law is tricky and can be very confusing. A qualified professional can allow a person to live and work in the U.S. for years without persecution from the law. They can also assist a person with the eventual goal of becoming a citizen.