At Pozo Goldstein, LLP, our New York immigration lawyers make every effort possible to ensure that you fully understand immigration agencies.

Whether it is employment-based immigration, family-based immigration, or any other type of immigration action, there will always be some type of authority or agency responsible for handling your unique endeavor. These agencies will handle and process much of the paperwork and forms involved in the immigration process, as well as various regulatory and enforcement matters relating to foreign nationals in the United States, including detention and deportation. With so many different agencies, it can be easy for individuals, families, and employers to feel overwhelmed.

At Pozo Goldstein, LLP, our New York immigration lawyers make every effort possible to ensure that our clients fully understand their unique immigration action, the documents and forms they will need, and the agencies they will be working with. While the agency you will be working with will depend on your unique action, the following information will help you gain a better understanding of the most common immigration agencies:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

USCIS is one of the most prominent agencies involved in the immigration process. USCIS handles nearly all immigration administrative matters, including applications and authorizations for foreign nationals looking to enter the United States. USCIS is also the agency that establishes immigration policies.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The DHS is a government agency that handles all matters related to U.S. security. It is an agency that encompasses a number of separate and distinct immigration agencies, including border security and agencies that handle foreign and domestic threats. The DHS also helps to influence, establish, and enforce various immigration policies and regulations.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

ICE is a federal law enforcement agency that operates under the DHS and is responsible for investigating all potential threats of illegal immigration, including the nation’s borders and economic infrastructure. ICE was established in 2003 and has subsidiaries located in every state in the United States.

Department of Justice (DOJ)
The U.S. Department of Justice is the primary government agency responsible for enforcing the law and administering justice to all American citizens and to those residing in the United States. The DOJ is composed of a number of various agencies, including the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), which adjudicates immigration cases by interpreting and enforcing national immigration policies.

Department of Labor (DOL)

As working in the United States is one of the most common motives for immigration, many foreign nationals may encounter the Department of Labor, or various agencies within the DOL. The DOL Office of Foreign Labor Certification (OFLC), for example, handles matters relating to the labor certification process of foreign workers and domestic employers.

Department of State (DOS)

The U.S. Department of State has a number of functions when it comes to immigration. As the DOS is responsible for administering U.S. visas, many immigrants will be required to interact with this agency. The DOS also handles the Diversity Visa Lottery.

Navigate the Immigration Process with Experienced Lawyers

As our legal team has spent years helping clients navigate the immigration process, we have become intimately familiar with these common immigration agencies. We know the procedures and laws in place, and we are able to successfully assist clients in resolving a wide variety of immigration matters. As immigration is a unique and varying journey, we encourage all individuals, families, and employers to learn more about the immigration agencies they may encounter by speaking with a member of our legal team. Find the passionate support you deserve and the experienced assistance you need. Contact Pozo Goldstein, LLP today.