Immigration Agencies in the United States

Immigration agencies in the United States play a critical role in enforcing federal laws, processing visa applications, and managing border security operations.

In addition to legislation, the organisations that implement and enforce them also have an impact on immigration in the US. Knowing which government organisations are in charge of each step of the immigration process can help newcomers and their families feel less anxious about it. There are numerous offices and divisions within the extensive U.S. immigration system, each with distinct duties.

Key Immigration Agencies

1. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

• Role: Administers immigration benefits.
• Functions:
  • Processes applications for green cards, naturalization, asylum, and work permits.
  • Manages family-based and employment-based immigration petitions.
  • Oversees humanitarian programs such as Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
• Department: Part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

2. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

• Role: Enforces immigration and customs laws inside the U.S.
• Functions:
  • Investigates immigration fraud, human trafficking, and smuggling.
  • Locates, detains, and removes individuals who violate immigration laws.
  • Oversees the immigration detention system.
• Department: Also under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

3. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

• Role: Protects U.S. borders and regulates entry.
• Functions:
  • Manages ports of entry at airports, seaports, and land borders.
  • Conducts inspections for travelers and goods.
  • Prevents unlawful entry and enforces trade regulations.
• Department: Another agency under DHS.

4. Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR)

• Role: Oversees immigration courts.
• Functions:
  • Conducts removal (deportation) hearings.
  • Handles appeals of immigration judge decisions through the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA).
• Department: Part of the Department of Justice (DOJ).

5. Department of State (DOS)

• Role: Manages immigration-related matters abroad.
• Functions:
  • Issues visas through U.S. embassies and consulates.
  • Oversees refugee admissions and certain humanitarian programs.
• Department: An independent Cabinet-level department.

6. Department of Labor (DOL)

• Role: Protects U.S. workers and regulates employment-based immigration.
• Functions:
  • Certifies labor applications for foreign workers.
  • Ensures employers comply with wage and working condition requirements.

How These Agencies Interact

Immigration agencies often work together. For example:

• A foreign worker’s visa may begin with the DOL, then move to USCIS for approval, before being issued at a U.S. consulate by the State Department, and finally reviewed by CBP at the border.
• If someone violates immigration law, ICE may investigate and detain them, while EOIR handles their removal hearing.

Why Understanding Immigration Agencies Matters

The U.S. immigration system can feel overwhelming because it’s spread across so many different agencies. Knowing who does what can help immigrants and advocates:

• Submit applications to the correct agency.
• Track the progress of cases.
• Understand rights and responsibilities when interacting with immigration officials.

A complex network of agencies are involved in U.S. immigration, and each one has a specific function, such as deciding cases, enforcing laws, or distributing benefits. Every agency has a significant influence on immigration policy and practice, from USCIS processing applications to CBP at the border to ICE enforcement within the nation to EOIR managing court cases.

A crucial first step in effectively navigating the intricate immigration system for advocates, lawyers, and immigrants is being aware of the duties performed by these organisations.

FAQs on Immigration Agencies

1. Which agency handles green card and citizenship applications?

That’s the role of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). They process green cards, naturalization, work permits, asylum, and other immigration benefits.

2. What’s the difference between ICE and CBP?

• ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) enforces immigration laws inside the U.S., including detention and deportation.
• CBP (Customs and Border Protection) operates at the borders and ports of entry, checking people and goods coming into the country.

3. Who decides deportation cases?

Deportation (removal) cases are heard by immigration judges in the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), which is part of the Department of Justice.

4. If I need a visa to enter the U.S., which agency do I apply to?

Visas are issued by the Department of State (DOS) through U.S. embassies and consulates abroad. Once you arrive, CBP officers at the border or airport review your documents before granting entry.

5. What role does the Department of Labor (DOL) play in immigration?

The DOL ensures that employment-based immigration doesn’t harm U.S. workers. It certifies labor applications for foreign workers and makes sure employers meet wage and working condition requirements.

6. Are all immigration agencies under the same department?

No. Most enforcement and benefit-related agencies like USCIS, ICE, and CBP are under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Immigration courts (EOIR) fall under the Department of Justice (DOJ), while visas are handled by the Department of State (DOS), and labor certifications by the Department of Labor (DOL).

7. Who should I contact if my immigration case is delayed?

It depends on the type of case:

• USCIS for green cards, citizenship, or asylum.
• DOS if your visa is stuck at a consulate.
• EOIR if you’re in removal proceedings.

8. Can these agencies work together?

Yes. For example, a work visa might involve the DOL (labor certification), USCIS (petition approval), DOS (visa issuance), and CBP (entry review). If someone violates immigration law, ICE may detain them, and EOIR decides their case.