Immigration attorneys in California tend to focus on either employment based or family based immigration. Lawyers focusing on immigration law help individuals work legally in the United States, defend against deportation actions, file asylum requests, or apply for citizenship or naturalization. Employment based immigration attorneys help businesses with compliance issues under state or federal law, help foreign workers get temporary work visas or a green card for permanent residence, obtain an E-1 or E-2 visa or the H-1B visa for specialty occupations, or work with executives in multinational corporations for an L-1A visa or TN visa for companies in Canada or Mexico under NAFTA. Many immigration attorneys in California are former INS attorneys.
CBLS Board Certification in Immigration and Nationality Law - Lawyers certified as specialists in immigration and nationality law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization have demonstrated substantial involvement in this area of practice.
The CBLS defines the term immigration and nationality law as the practice of law dealing with "matters arising under and related to the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, as amended (Title 8 U.S. Code), and other laws and regulations dealing with immigration and naturalization."
AILA promotes justice, advocates for fair and reasonable immigration law and policy, advances the quality of immigration and nationality law and practices to enhance the professional development of its members.