Immigration law governs the admission, exclusion, and removal of foreign nationals into and out of countries. It balances border security with refugee and economic demands.
Key Components:
- Visa regulations control entry durations and activities for tourists, students, temporary workers based on skill/need assessments.
- Citizenship laws establish pathways to permanent residence and naturalization for long-term residents meeting language/civics criteria.
- Deportation statutes outline due process and exceptions while facilitating timely removal of unauthorized/criminal aliens.
Policy Objectives:
National security, economic growth, family unification are prioritized differently between advocates of tighter versus looser rules.
Litigation Issues:
Courts frequently adjudicate discretionary decision appeals and constitutional challenges regarding discrimination, detention conditions and legislative overreach.
International Law Considerations:
Refugee/asylum protocols and human rights instruments shape state practices but permit deviations for sovereignty and public safety rationales.