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.
Brandywine is an unincorporated area and census-designated place (CDP) in Prince George's County, Maryland, United States, although the postal delivery area includes part of Charles County as well near Malcolm. The population of Brandywine (CDP) was 1,410 at the 2000 census, which is a small percentage of the area covered by the Brandywine post office. The Brandywine zip code covers a very large area both east and west of busy Maryland Route 5/U.S. Route 301, which merge at Brandywine. Cedarville State Forest and the picturesque Baden community to the east, including a trailer park community, are part of greater Brandywine. Although surrounded on either side by the sizable communities of Clinton and Waldorf, Brandywine itself has remained primarily rural and scenic; however, this is beginning to change, with new housing developments being built. Brandywine Crossing shopping center, whose first phase opened in October 2008, will have Target, Safeway, Costco, Marshalls, Jo-Ann Stores, Bonefish Grill, Kobe Japanese Steakhouse, and a 16-screen Kerasotes Movie Theater. The community also includes Gwynn Park High School, a golf course, and a construction equipment sales lot.