Immigration law Chula Vista Attorneys who may enter a country, how long they may stay, and what their rights and duties are as residents and citizens. It also sets out what type of work people may do and how taxation, tariff and trade rules affect their status. It can vary widely around the world, from wide-ranging acceptance to deeply nationalist and isolationist policies.

The United States government has the broadest powers in the area of immigration. Congress sets the immigration policy through laws passed by lawmakers. Federal courts have generally held that the Constitution gives only limited power to the courts over questions of immigration law.

State and local governments may also establish immigration policies, through law enforcement agencies and other departments. For example, some cities have established themselves as “sanctuary cities.” State-level laws can be more restrictive than federal ones. For example, some states have passed laws that prevent undocumented students from qualifying for in-state tuition.

How Immigration Law Affects You: What Every Immigrant Should Know in 2025

In the United States, Section 287(g) allows the government to enter into agreements with local law enforcement agencies to enforce immigration laws as part of their regular, day-to-day activities. This can include identifying and arresting individuals who are suspected of violent crime, human trafficking, gang activity, drug-related offenses, or other crimes. It can also target undocumented immigrants based on their criminal record, regardless of whether they have family ties or how long they have been in the country. People subject to this enforcement risk can fear encountering immigration officers outside their home, and may avoid seeking vital services out of concern that they will be exposed to sanctions or harassment.