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.
Fort Bidwell is an unincorporated community in Modoc County, California. It is located 32 miles (51 km) northwest of Alturas, at an elevation of 4564 feet (1391 m). Fort Bidwell is located near the north end of the Surprise Valley. The community's ZIP Code is 96112 and elevation is about 4,564 feet (1,391 m). The coordinates for the town are 41°51′38″N 120°09′05″W / 41.86056°N 120.15139°W / 41.86056; -120.15139. The airport,, is about 1-mile (1.6 km) north of the center of the community at 41°52′34″N 120°08′48″W / 41.87611°N 120.14667°W / 41.87611; -120.14667. The Fort Bidwell Indian Community is affiliated with the Paiute nation. The Fort Bidwell post office opened in 1868. The place began as a military outpost called Camp Bidwell. It was built in 1863 amid escalading fighting with the local Native Americans called the Snake Indians. It was a base for operations in the Snake War that lasted until 1868 and the later Modoc War. The outpost's name was changed in 1879 and it was demilitarized in 1893. A 1913 book described Fort Bidwell as having a population of about 200, and containing a school and reservation for the Paiute people. Wired telephone numbers in the community follow the format 279-2xxx or 279-6xxx and appear to be served out of the Cedarville central office. Wired telephone service is provided by Citizens Utilities.