Here is a summary of the key agencies and procedures related to the U.S. immigration system.

The U.S. immigration system is operated by several agencies, each with different roles, which can make it feel complex.

Key Immigration Agencies

① USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services)

  • Affiliation: Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

  • Role: Responsible for most administrative procedures including green cards, family sponsorship, employment visa review and approval, citizenship applications, and refugee/asylum applications.

② ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement)

  • Affiliation: Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

  • Role: Enforces immigration laws, deportation of violators, criminal investigations (human trafficking, smuggling, etc.)

③ CBP (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)

  • Affiliation: Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

  • Role: Border protection, entry inspection and examination, enforcement against illegal entry.

④ EOIR (Executive Office for Immigration Review)

  • Affiliation: Department of Justice (DOJ)

  • Role: Immigration court, hearings on deportation decisions, appeals review.

Key Immigration Procedures

  • Immigrant Visa:
    Includes green cards, family sponsorship, employment-based immigration, etc.

  • Non-Immigrant Visa:
    For short stays, including tourism/business (B1/B2), students (F1, J1), employment (H-1B, O-1).

  • Citizenship:
    Can apply for naturalization after residing as a green card holder for a certain period. Must pass an English test and a U.S. history/government test, and an interview.

  • Refugee & Asylum:
    Requesting protection due to race, religion, or political persecution. Refugees apply from abroad, while asylum seekers apply within the U.S.

General Flow of Procedures

  1. Eligibility verification and document preparation: passport, birth/marriage certificates, etc.

  2. Application submission: USCIS website (online) or by mail.

  3. Fee payment and receipt confirmation.

  4. Biometrics: fingerprints, photos, signature.

  5. Interview: conducted at USCIS office.

  6. Decision notification: approval, pending, or denial.

Policies can change significantly with changes in administration, so it is important to always check the latest information through the official USCIS website or a certified immigration attorney when preparing for immigration.

5. Reference Sites