Green Card and Citizenship News

Functions of federal and state agencies in getting your Green Card

Many new immigrants get confused which agency is responsible in their application to get their Green Cards (labor certification and permanent resident status). Documents in your application file may change hands before you get your Green Card. So, you need to know which agency is responsible in different fields. Here’s the summary of functions of these federal and state agencies:

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

This new federal agency was established after September 11 attack to help protect the United States against future attacks. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) operates under this Department with its new name of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

USCIS is another federal agency to which you submit your petition to get your Green Card if you are in the United States. You submit your petition for permanent resident visa to consular sections of the U.S. embassy in your native country if you are applying outside the United States.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

ICE targets illegal immigrants and criminal activities that may threaten citizens of the United States. Activities of ICE are regulated USCIS (formerly INS) and U.S. Customs.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

This is also another new federal agency established after 9/11 to make trade and travel secure and enforces laws related to immigration and drug trafficking.

U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)

Your Green Card allows you to stay and work in the United States. You get labor certification if you wish to work legally before you get your Green Card. Your permit to work in the United States is issued by DOL (Office of Foreign Labor Certification). However, you make your application to the USCIS, not DOL.

U.S. Department of State (DOS)

This federal agency is responsible for visa. You get your non-immigrant visa for your temporary stay in the United States. This is the first step. You, then travel to the United States and are physically allowed to enter by Customs Border Protection office at the airport, seaport or at other port-of-entry.

DOS also organizes distribution of limited number of Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery each year for citizens of eligible countries. If you are from a country that sends less than 20,000 immigrants to the U.S., then your chances of getting a Green Card is higher as DOS separates more diversity visas to your country.

We hope that you do not face any problem in your application as a new immigrant, however, if you do, then federal district courts handle your immigration status. So, you may apply to the federal district court if you encounter any problem with the USCIS.

Make your immigration paperwork complete and accurate

In order to make your petition for your Green Card, you have two options:

(1)   Read immigration forms carefully and review some books on U.S. immigration at your local library or buy some books at a bookstore.

(2)   Get the services of an immigration attorney. Many attorneys specialize in U.S. immigration law and can help you get your Green Card as soon as possible, especially if your case is not straightforward and you expect some problems.

You need to get certified translation of your documents into English

If your original documents are not in English language, then you need to submit “certified” translation of your documents such as birth certificate, marriage certificate, divorce decree, etc., if applicable. You may contact us for certified translation of your documents for the USCIS.