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.
Elwin is an unincorporated community in the city of Decatur, Illinois, located in Macon County, Illinois. The community is located on U.S. Route 51 in the central portion of the county. Elwin was named after its founders Elwood and Martin. As of 2009, Elwin's population is 163 people. Since the 2000 United States Census, it has had a population growth of -1.72 percent.