This course offers a comprehensive and practical exploration of U.S. immigration and naturalization law, emphasizing the statutory frameworks, constitutional principles, agency procedures, and legal strategies that govern entry, presence, and lawful status in the United States. Students will study family-based and employment-based immigration, removal proceedings, asylum and refugee law, adjustment of status, and the naturalization process.
Through hands-on legal training, students will simulate immigration interviews, draft petitions and waivers, respond to government requests, and advise clients navigating complex immigration procedures. The course integrates real-world scenarios involving agency interaction (USCIS, ICE, CBP, EOIR), employer compliance obligations, humanitarian relief, and citizenship adjudication, preparing students to function as legal professionals in immigration practice, corporate counsel, or policy environments.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
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Understand the core legal sources governing immigration and citizenship in the U.S.
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Identify and advise on major visa categories, grounds of inadmissibility, and relief from removal.
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Analyze the legal standards and procedures for adjustment of status and naturalization.
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Navigate agency structures and procedures across DHS, DOJ, and DOS jurisdictions.
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Prepare and respond to petitions, applications, RFEs, NOIDs, and other immigration filings.
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Conduct client interviews, eligibility screenings, and compliance assessments.
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Apply immigration law to corporate, humanitarian, and enforcement contexts.
