USCIS: which stands for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, is the agency responsible for handling various immigration-related processes. This includes processing petitions for immigrant visas, applications for naturalization, asylum requests, applications for adjusting immigration status (commonly known as green cards), and refugee applications.
USCIS also plays a role in making decisions on immigration matters at the service centers and manages all other functions related to immigration benefits, excluding immigration enforcement, which was previously managed by the INS.
Additionally, USCIS has several other important responsibilities, such as:
- Administering immigration services and benefits.
- Issuing employment authorization documents (EADs).
- Evaluating petitions for temporary non-immigrant workers, including those under categories like H-1B and O-1, among others.
CBP: Customs and Border protection
CBP is a component of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responsible for safeguarding America’s borders and facilitating legitimate trade and travel. CBP’s key roles include:
- Border Security: CBP is tasked with preventing the illegal entry of individuals and contraband into the United States.
- Customs Duties: CBP collects customs duties, taxes, and fees on imported goods.
- Immigration Control: CBP manages the inspection of travelers at ports of entry, including airports, seaports, and land border crossings.
- Trade Facilitation: CBP works to expedite and facilitate the flow of legitimate trade and travel while ensuring the security of goods and people crossing the border.
- Enforcement: CBP enforces various federal laws and regulations related to border security, trade, and immigration. This includes combating smuggling, human trafficking, and other illicit activities.
- Border Patrol: Within CBP, the Border Patrol is responsible for patrolling the U.S. borders, preventing illegal border crossings, and apprehending individuals attempting to enter the country unlawfully.
- Port of Entry Operations: CBP officers at ports of entry inspect travelers, vehicles, and cargo to ensure compliance with U.S. laws and regulations.
…to be continued on Proximate Consult.
