Immigration Resource Guide: Federal Agencies

The DHS is responsible for immigration enforcement, border security, cybersecurity, citizenship services, and more.

The USCIS oversees lawful immigration to the United States.

The CBP’s main mission is to keep terrorists out of the U.S. It is responsible for securing the border and facilitating lawful international trade and enforcing U.S. laws and regulations, including immigration and drug laws.

The ICE investigates and enforces federal immigration laws, customs laws, and national security laws.

The Department of Justice's EOIR adjudicate immigration cases.

The CBO produces analyses of budgetary and economic issues to support the Congressional budget process, including analyzing trends in immigration and policy proposals that may affect immigration.

The U.S. Department of State processes overseas immigrant and non-immigrant (temporary) visa applications for those seeking entry into the United States. The State Department is involved in refugee policy issues through its Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration.

U.S. employers hiring foreign workers must first seek labor certification through the U.S. Department of Labor.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), through the CDC Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, regulates vaccination requirements and distinguishes medical conditions in immigrant populations. The DHHS also operates the Office of Refugee Resettlement, which provides public benefits and services to refugees and children who have entered the U.S.