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.
Natchez is a village in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana, United States. The population was 583 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Natchitoches Micropolitan Statistical Area. It includes St. Augustine Parish (Isle Brevelle) Church. Church services were established in 1803 by Augustin Métoyer and have been held continuously since then. It is the oldest church in the US founded by and for the mixed Creole people. The church was built by sons of Métoyer and Marie Thérèse Coin-coin. Because of the significance of the Créole church's history and its centrality in the life of the community, it is featured on the Louisiana African American Heritage Trail. The village and parish are part of the Cane River National Heritage Area. Natchez is the birthplace of the late Sylvan Friedman, who served on the Natchitoches Parish Police Jury from 1932-1944, as a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from 1944-1952, and as a state senator from 1952-1972.