Immigration law determines whether a person is an alien, the rights, duties, and obligations associated with being an alien in the United States, and how aliens gain residence or citizenship within the United States. It also provides the means by which certain aliens can become legally naturalized citizens with full rights of citizenship. Immigration law serves as a gatekeeper for the border of the nation, determining who may enter, how long they may stay, and when they must leave. Immigration lawyers represent persons seeking temporary and permanent residency (green cards) status in the U.S., those interested in obtaining U.S. citizenship through a process called naturalization, and clients facing deportation and removal. Immigration attorneys may also represent businesses seeking to secure temporary visa status for foreign employees.
Descanso is a small unincorporated community in San Diego County, east of Alpine and west of Pine Valley of about 2,162 residents. The community's name is a Spanish word meaning a place of rest. At a 3,450 feet (1,050 m) elevation it is located at the south entrance to Cuyamaca Rancho State Park and also borders Cleveland National Forest to the west and east. The area was heavily threatened by the 2003 Cedar Fire. The community consists of many small ranches and newer homes of San Diego commuters. Horseback riding and hiking are a frequent pastimes due to the close proximity to San Diego's back country recreation areas. Its is approximately a 50 minute commute from downtown San Diego. The Descanso Fire Station of the United States Forest Service is home to the Laguna Hotshots. Descanso is home to many firefighters, and many local teenagers join either the Forest Service or the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (which also provides direct fire and EMS protection to the community). The ZIP Code is 91916 and the community is inside area code 619.