Immigration Law in New York City
Every phase of New York City immigration is subject to federal immigration laws. The Law Office of Evelyn Tossas Tucker is sensitive to the issues our clients must deal with and can explain immigration requirements, regulations, and available options best suited for the individual's circumstances.
Changes in federal immigration law in New York City
After 9/11 occurred, immigration laws in New York City and throughout the United States changed to meet demands for heightened security. U.S. Congress passed legislation that eliminated the Immigration and Nationalization Service (INS) and replaced it with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Immigration regulation remains at the federal level and is now overseen by three main government agencies within the DHS:
- United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
- U.S. Customs and Border Enforcement (CBE)
How tightened security affects immigration
Many areas of immigration saw closer scrutiny and tightened enforcement of existing laws along with the introduction of new laws, rules, and reporting systems.
The National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS) implemented in 2002 under the U.S. Patriot Act requires registration, fingerprinting, and questioning of temporary visa holders. The DHS requires student visa holders to notify their learning institution of address changes. Information about students and their families is entered into a Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), a program that monitors aliens on student visas.
Temporary visa rule violations may create difficulty in later obtaining immigrant visas. Immigrant visas and green card applications are also subject to more systematic background checks. The USCIS thoroughly screens citizenship applicants and requires them to take a revised, more difficult citizenship test.
Deportation risks
Along with stiffer temporary and immigrant visas, green cards and naturalization regulation, removal and deportation proceedings are on the rise. Government officials who have non-citizens sign a stipulated removal order can deport them without a hearing before an immigration judge.
Many immigrants have no idea they are waiving their rights when signing such an order. Involving experienced New York City immigration lawyer Evelyn Tossas Tucker throughout all aspects of immigration protects your rights and helps you become informed about the federal immigration laws in New York City that relate to your case.
Get legal help with immigration laws in New York City
Find out what you need to know about immigration laws in New York City under the guidance of an experienced immigration lawyer. Call 888-317-5267 or contact the Law Office of Evelyn Tossas Tucker online today.