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.
Tecopa (formerly, Brownsville) is a census-designated place in the Mojave Desert, in Inyo County, California, United States. Tecopa is located 9 miles (14 km) south-southeast of Shoshone, at an elevation of 1339 feet (408 m). The population was 99 at the 2000 census. One of Tecopa's popular features is its natural hot springs. Adjacent to the campground are gender-segregated, no-clothing-mandatory, indoor hot pools for soaking. Access is included in camping fees. Tecopa was named after the Piaute leader Chief Tecopa. There is also a natural hotspring located on BLM land just outside of town.