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.
Geneseo is a city in Henry County, Illinois, United States. The population was 6,480 at the 2000 census. The city government is organized under an Aldermanic form. The Mayor is elected at large for a two year term. The Mayor (Linda Van Der Leest) serves as Chief Executive Officer and also Presiding Officer over the City Council of Geneseo. The City Council consists of eight aldermen representing four individual wards. (Ward 1, Edward Deener and Lowell Ewert - Ward 2, Arnie Schmid and Robert Wachtel - Ward 3, Keith Kennett and Karen West - Ward 4, Joshua Pierce and Curt Spensley) Geneseo is known for its Victorian style homes and its "Rockwellian quaintness. " It is often compared to the Andy Griffith Show and its town, Mayberry R.F.D. Geneseo is also well known nation wide. During the month of December, Geneseo hosts an annual "Christmas Walk. " Until 2008 the annual "Christmas Walk" was known as the "Victorian Walk. "Downtown businesses offer in store hospitality and feature live window displays depicting holiday traditions from different decades, 2008 will feature the 1940's. This town is also home to the famous gun manufacturing company, Springfield Armory, Inc. which is located on Main Street. It employs many of the town's citizens and is a vital part of the economy. Springfield Armory, Inc. is currently operated by the Reese family. For recreation, just north of Geneseo,IL runs the historic 104.5 mile Hennepin Canal Parkway spreading through five counties.