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.
Macomb is a city located in McDonough County, Illinois founded in 1830. It is situated in western Illinois southwest of Galesburg at 40°27'38" North, 90°40'27" West (40.460501, -90.674048). As of 2000, the city had a population of 21,659. It is the county seat of McDonough County. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 10.2 square miles, of which, 9.9 square miles (25.5 km²) of it is land and 0.4 square miles (1.0 km²) of it is water. The total area is 3.90% water; the East Fork La Moine River flows past the northern part of the city. Macomb is the home of Western Illinois University.