Who Does What?
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Responsibility for administering the immigration system of the United States
is divided among several federal agencies. These agencies, and their
specific responsibilities are:
Department of State Visa Office
The Visa Office of the Department of State is responsible for, among other
things, supervising overseas consular posts, providing advisory opinions as
to issues of law in connection with visa applications, and issuing the
monthly Visa Bulletin.
Overseas
Consular Posts
United States consular offices overseas are responsible for accepting and
processing nonimmigrant and immigrant visa applications made by foreign
nationals. They also assist United States citizens abroad.
Department of
Homeland Security
CIS
The USCIS is responsible for accepting and processing petitions and
applications for immigration benefits.
ICE
Immigration and Customs Enforcement is the agency responsible for
enforcement activities in the interior of the United States. ICE arrests
foreign nationals who are out of status and prosecutes them in immigration
court. They also investigate employers to make sure that they comply with
workplace related immigration laws.
CBP
United State Customs and Border Protection determines who may enter the
United States through established ports of entry. CBP also operates the
Border Patrol, apprehending foreign nationals who attempt to enter the
United States illegally.
Department of Justice
EOIR
The Executive Office for Immigration Review operates the immigration courts
in local offices as well as the Board of Immigration Appeals.
OSC
The Office of Special Counsel for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment
Practices investigates and prosecutes employers engaged in unfair employment
practices.
Department of Labor
OFLC
The DOL's Office of Foreign Labor Certification administers the H1B and H2
nonimmigrant programs, as well as the immigrant foreign labor certification
(PERM) program.
Department of Health and Human
Services
HHS is responsible for administering the medical examinations of foreign
nationals coming to the United States
