Immigration law information is necessary whenever you need to get the proper visa to work in America. Whether you are an employer that wants to hire someone outside of the country, or an individual who wants to live in America, information resources on immigration law can help you understand the process.

Most people find that with the right tools, they can conduct a lot of immigration law research themselves. This usually depends on what your specific needs are.

You may want to contact an immigration attorney for information about immigration laws if:

1. You are currently in the U.S. on an expired visa. Simple immigration law information cannot help you in this case. A lawyer can help review your options.

2. You are a business owner that hires immigrants. As a business owner, it's important that your information on American immigrant laws is current. Your lawyer will help make sure that you do everything by the book.

3. You have a hard time understanding info on immigration law. Immigration law can be complex, particularly if you are not a native English speaker. An attorney helps you properly follow and understand the law.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Turn to the government for the most accurate immigration law reference materials

The U.S. government regularly makes updates to their immigration policy. It's important that you go directly to the source to get the best possible information on immigration laws.

I recommend: Start with the official site for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The home page lists all of the latest news on immigration. They also have an extensive list of immigration forms and resources to learn about American citizenship.

Turn to magazines and websites as immigration law resources

Attorneys may appreciate having materials that additionally present analysis of current laws. By subscribing to a magazine, or regularly visiting certain websites, you can stay up to date on both changes to the law and current thoughts about it.

I recommend: Sign up for a subscription to Immigration Law Today, which contains articles by lawyers and other immigration law professionals. The Urban Institute, which conducts public policy research, offers a section on Immigration Studies.

Seek out free information resources on immigration law

Many recent immigrants to not have the financial means to pay for legal support throughout the immigration process. Fortunately, many organizations seek to help low-income immigrant families with free immigration legal resources.

I recommend: The National Immigration Law Center aims to help immigrants to understand the law. The American Immigration Law Foundation also helps to increase public understanding about immigration policy and laws.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't take immigration law lightly. A small mistake could have very large repercussions. If you have any trouble understanding info about immigration law, do not hesitate to contact a lawyer or an organization that helps immigrants deal with issues.