Immigration Law
Memphis and Nashville immigration
Immigration laws in Memphis, Nashville, and throughout the United States are for the most part enforced federally by the U.S. government. State government legislation regarding immigration is limited, but local and state governments cooperate with federal agencies to help enforce immigration laws. Our attorneys at the Frager Law Firm represent clients in matters involving immigration laws in Tennessee and stay apprised of changing laws and precedent-setting cases.
U.S. immigration laws—a changing legal area
The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), passed in 1952, established an immigration system regulated by national-origin quotas that were based on U.S. census reports. Certain nationalities were granted specific quotas for immigration. Amended in 1965 by the Hart-Cellar Act, the INA nation-origin quota system was abolished. Western Hemisphere immigration was limited to 120,000 people a year, and Eastern Hemisphere immigration was restricted to 170,000, making most immigration based on family sponsorship or employment. In 1990, the Immigration Act (IMMACT) revised the immigration quota to allow 700,000 immigrants per year. The emphasis remained on family and employment-based immigration. During the 1990's, laws shifted when Congress passed acts that stiffened penalties for illegal immigration and criminal violations committed by permanent residents. As a result, many more immigrants were deported.
Even heavier enforcement of restrictions went into effect after 9/11 when the Department of Homeland Security (DOHS) was created to oversee immigration, replacing Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). Three agencies were formed within the DOHS for increased support of previous INS functions—U.S. Customs and Border Enforcement (CBE), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Understanding immigration law in Tennessee
Many immigrants are already at a disadvantage due to language barriers. The intricacies of immigration laws can be confusing, which generally compounds immigration problems, making immigration a daunting task for many people.
A seasoned immigration attorney at the Frager Law Firm can help you navigate the complexities of Tennessee immigration laws and make the process go more smoothly.
Whether you need legal help with immigration law in Nashville or Memphis regarding green cards, non-immigrant visas, asylum, refugee status, naturalization, or other concerns, an experienced attorney can increase your chances of obtaining the status you seek.
Get help with immigration law in Memphis and Nashville from the Frager Law Firm
The Frager Law firm are immigration naturalization lawyers in Memphis and Nashville Tennessee with nearly two decades of experience helping clients obtain U.S. citizenship. For Memphis immigration naturalization attorneys, call 901-763-3188. For Nashville immigration naturalization attorneys, call 615-366-1000. Call our Tennessee immigration and naturalization law firm toll free 866-609-4882 or contact us online.
