U.S. federal immigration policy

U.S. federal immigration policy governs how people from other countries can enter, stay, and become citizens. It includes laws and procedures for visas, work permits, family reunification, refugee protection, and naturalization. Policies are enforced by agencies like the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. They aim to balance border security, economic needs, humanitarian commitments, and national interests. Changes in policy can affect eligibility, processing times, and enforcement priorities, often reflecting broader political and societal debates about immigration's role in the country.