Immigration is a poignant issue for many people in the United States and the cause of much debate in federal and state government legislation and policy. America is known as the melting pot of the world where everyone is welcome to make a better life for themselves and their families. The most frequent topic that comes up when referring to immigration is legal and illegal immigration. Very few Americans question legal immigration laws, but the issue of illegal immigrants has caused a hornet’s nest in recent politics.
Legal residence:

Being a legal immigrant and a US citizen are two very different concepts. Living in the United States on a permanent visa means that one has to obtain a Green Card. This allows for permanent residence within the United States with some restrictions on voting and other federally regulated services. A person with a green card can still get a driver’s license, have a job, go to school, and carry on the normal daily activities that all Americans enjoy without fear of deportation.

US citizen:
Becoming a United States citizen is a difficult but worthwhile process for any migrant planning to stay in the US First, it is essential to determine if a person meets the eligibility requirements to become a citizen. The federal government only offers a certain number of citizens per country per year. There is a “lottery” system that is very unreliable, but some people get lucky using this option. For all others, eligibility requirements must be met followed by an application process to become a citizen.

A person must take a US History test to complete their United States citizenship, which for most born-in-the-United States citizens can seem a bit challenging. In addition, the applicant must be photographed, fingerprinted, interviewed, and a decision will be made as to whether the individual is allowed to be a citizen. Once all these steps have been completed, an oath is used to use the new citizenship of the United States of America.

Illegal Immigrant:
An illegal immigrant is someone who is in the United States without a valid visa or permission to remain in the country. This term is commonly mentioned in the news to describe people who have been smuggled or sneaked into the country without passing proper border inspections. There is another group of individuals who may be considered illegal immigrants that have a much less negative connotation. Some students or employees may come to the United States on a visa. Every visa has a set expiration date that normally needs renewal before it expires. In some cases, a person may have had a valid visa that has expired pending renewal. Technically, these people are also considered illegal immigrants; however, they are not normally stigmatized as people who have evaded customs and border policies.

With such a large group of people from different backgrounds, it is essential that Americans exercise tolerance in their daily lives. Although there are people who are upset about the political and social side effects of immigration, after all, it is the foundation of our modern country and society. It is important to remember that almost everyone who comes to the US is seeking a better quality of life for themselves and their families. In some cases, immigrants flee their home countries, which they love, but political conflicts have forced them to take their families to a safer place.

Immigration and Customs Detention:
What happens when an individual is detained for an immigration violation? There are several government agencies that can detain a person based on their immigration status in the United States. If a person is detained (depending on the circumstances), they normally must go to trial before an immigration judge to determine the outcome of their residence in the United States of America. The most common is that an individual is detained by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service) to go to trial for these types of violations.

Immigration Bonds:
If a person is detained for trial to contest their immigration and residency rights within the country, help is available! Bonds may be posted on certain types of immigration violations to allow a defendant to remain in the country pending the outcome of trial. Immigration bail bonds are a service that is not commonly known, however, it may save you or a loved one from deportation one day. If a person is deported for an immigration violation, they are generally barred from re-entering the country for a set number of years. That is why it is important to seek adequate representation during an immigration trial to avoid temporary or permanent residency and visa revocation by the courts.