U.S. Immigration policy and law is governed by the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Years of Congressional effort resulted in comprehensive revisions to the INA in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 and in the Immigration Act of 1990 (INA 90). Subsequently, Congress further changed (and complicated) immigration policy in the Miscellaneous and Technical Immigration and Naturalization Amendments of 1991 (MITINA).

U.S. Immigration laws are complex, confusing and often obtuse. Regulations are constantly being made, changed and applied differently. This Web-Page presents a brief overview of U.S. Immigration law. Keep in mind that entire chapters or even books are written to cover what is here briefly presented as a thumb-nail sketch. Before taking any actions which may affect your immigration status you should seriously consider getting professional advice which takes into consideration your individual circumstances. [See disclaimer]