Legal Frameworks of Immigration
This reference page provides an overview and links to current immigration law, federal immigration reform proposals, and state legislative proposals. For information on NCSL’s policy efforts on immigration, please visit the sites to the right, under "NCSL Committees of Interest."
Immigration Law
The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 was the first codification of immigration and nationality law and is still the basic code. The immigration section of the U.S. Code can be found in Title 8.
Immigration Reform Bills in the 109th Congress
Senate
S.2611, as passed the Senate, May 25, 2006
S.2611/S. 2612, Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2006 (Hagel/Martinez Substitute)
S. 2454, Securing America's Borders Act, introduced by Senator Bill Frist
Judiciary Committee bill, March 27, 2006
Other Senate Bills
House
H.R. 4437, passed December 2005
Process and Definitions
Below are some issue briefs explaining common terms and immigration procedures, such as the visa process, the issue of public charge, verification, and guidance on asking citizenship and immigration status on benefits forms.
Common Immigration Terms
Public Charge Defined
HHS Guidance on Asking Citizenship, Immigration Status and SSNs
STATE legislation
State Legislative Summaries - Enacted 2006 (August 11, 2006)
State Legislative Summaries - Introduced January -April 2006
State Legislative Summaries - 2005
Resource Links
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (U.S. CIS). The office within the Department of Homeland Security that provides citizenship and immigration services.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The office within the Department of Homeland Security that includes the Border Patrol.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The office within the Department of Homeland Security that includes enforcement and investigations. |
