The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)

The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) is a key U.S. law that governs immigration and citizenship. Enacted in 1952 and updated several times, it establishes the rules for who can enter the country, how long they can stay, and the process for becoming a U.S. citizen. The INA covers family reunification, employment-based visas, and provisions for refugees and asylum seekers. It aims to balance the need for security and the desire for immigration, shaping how people from around the world can live and work in the United States.