Department Of Immigration

A department of immigration has, in a sense, been a part of the federal government since the Naturalization Act of 1790, which declared that any alien who was a free, white person could become a citizen of the United States. Modern immigration laws have their roots in the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, which established a basic framework for the subject that has held even today. Although portions of this Act have been deleted or altered, it has remained the foundation for subsequent immigration laws.

Needless to say, a department of immigration today must welcome immigrants while ensuring they will not be a threat to the security of the United States. How to do this while safeguarding both the shores of this country and the rights of immigrants and citizens is a tough question. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is charged with the task of dealing with the daily implementation of these issues.

A Department of Immigration Develops Protective Regulations

Currently, all males 16 years of age and older must register if they are citizens of certain countries determined by the Attorney General to be potential threats to the security of the United States. Registration is also required of anyone from any country who is considered a possible threat to the security of this country. By 2005, all 35 million people who visit this country each year must be registered with the department of immigration.

The intention is to evaluate the security risk, if any, that is posed by the applicant for entry into this country. Whether the visa application is for tourist or business purposes, the scrutiny is the same. Registration is also helpful in determining that visa holders actually comply with the provisions of their visas, that is, that they leave this country on time, and return to their homeland.