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.
Port Republic is a small, rural community located in Calvert County, Maryland. It is approximately 5 miles south of Prince Frederick, Maryland, the county seat of Calvert County. While Port Republic is not incorporated and has no central business district, it nonetheless features several places of note, including historic Christ Episcopal Church and a restored one room school building. The annual Calvert County Jousting Tournament is held the last Saturday in August on the grounds of Christ Church, and was featured in a 2005 edition of ESPN'sSportsCenter's 50 States in 50 Days feature. Residential communities located in Port Republic include Governors' Run, Kenwood Beach, Scientists' Cliffs, and Western Shores. Port Republic has a post office with the designated zip code being 20676.