In the United States, immigration law generally pertains to the regulations governing immigrants and immigration to the country. Immigration law determines who may enter the country, how long visitors or immigrants may stay in the country, and the grounds for deportation from the United States. Laws governing immigration also determine who may gain citizenship in the country, and the rights, duties, and obligations of citizenship. Individual states in the United States have limited control over immigration law, with the majority of the power going to the federal branch of the government. The federal government oversees the issuance of visas, and determines the regulations that govern both immigrant and nonimmigrant visas. Thus, by having control over U.S. visas, the federal government is able to control who enters the United States and how long they are permitted to remain in the country.

Nonimmigrant visas fall into 18 different categories and pertain to tourists and other temporary visitors, such as individuals traveling to the United States for business purposes. Immigrant visas are for individuals who desire to be a permanent resident of the United States, with the eventual plan of applying for citizenship. The number of visas issued per fiscal year is closely monitored, and are subject to caps. Immigration law in the United States can be traced back to the late 1700s, when Congress enacted the Naturalization Act of 1790, which determined citizenship based upon race and “good moral character.”

A general overview of the areas controlled by United States Immigration Law is outlined below:

• Number of visas issued per year (usually depending on visa category and country of applicant)
• Applicability of visa issuance
How long immigrants or visitors may remain the United States
• Qualifications to apply for citizenship
• Regulations governing the United States naturalization process
• Deportation proceedings