If you have any questions about the Immigration & Nationality Act, feel free to contact the best immigration attorneys in New York.

In 1952, the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) was established to organize the many different statutes that already existed in relation to the governing laws of immigration in the United States. Not collectively organized in one location, these statues were officially brought together in the early 1950s when the Immigration and Nationality Act was created.

Also referred to as the McCarran-Walter bill of 1952, Public Law No. 82-414, the INA systematically collected and codified many of the preexisting provisions related to immigration law in the U.S. Now, the structure of immigration law as a whole is operated under the conditions that were set forth in the reorganization that took place in 1952.

In order to ensure that your rights are preserved and your needs are met as you pursue an immigration matter of any nature in the U.S., it is crucial that these statues be understood to the fullest degree. Therefore, you should not wait to speak with a New York immigration attorney from Pozo Goldstein, LLP if you’re dealing with an immigration matter that could affect your status or ability to remain in the United States.

Division of the INA

Today, the Immigration and Nationality Act can be understood in divisions that are categorized by titles, chapters, and sections. Although the Act has been amended on several occasions over the 90+ years since it was established, it remains to be the general body of law by which immigration matters are regulated in the U.S. As such, it stands alone as a body of law, and is contained in the United States Code (U.S.C.) as well. Title 8 of the U.S. Code specifically addresses “Aliens and Nationality,” making it one of significant importance to immigrants and non-citizens who are currently living within the U.S.

How the INA Could Affect Your Immigration

At the time that it was enacted, the INA officially abolished the racial restrictions that were included in U.S. immigration and naturalization statutes up to that point. With the introduction of the INA, no longer was naturalization limited to immigrants who were “free white persons” of “good moral character.” Instead, the Act established a quota system for immigrants of different nationalities and regions, eventually instituting a preference system which now focuses intensely on labor qualifications.

It was in the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 that established the three main types of immigrants: immigrants with special skills / relatives of U.S. citizens who are exempt from quotas and restrictions; refugees; and average immigrants whose numbers cannot surpass 270,000 per year. The introduction of the Act also allowed for the government to deport immigrants and naturalized citizens who were caught engaging in subversive activities, and the act allowed for suspected subversives to be barred from entering the country entirely.

The Immigration and Nationality Act also expanded the definition of the United States to include Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. As of December 24, 1952, all persons born within any one of these three territories would automatically acquire citizenship at birth. In terms of nationality purposes, the Act effectively extended the legal rights provided to persons born to several territories outside of the U.S., thus enabling them to benefit from the advantages of being a U.S. citizen despite the fact that they were not born in the United States.

New York Immigration Lawyers: Pozo Goldstein, LLP

At Pozo Goldstein, LLP, we are committed to helping immigrants obtain legal status in the U.S. at all costs. Whether this involves the application of aggressive methods of deportation defense, or it requires a re-entry permit to be obtained, we are prepared to invest our efforts into satisfying your legal needs. For more than 90 years combined, the professionals at our office have been dedicated to serving residents and non-citizens of New York City and its surrounding areas as they attempt to solidify their legal status in the U.S., and we are willing to do the same for you. Contact us today to learn more about the Immigration and Nationality Act and how we can help with your case.