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.
Alba is an unincorporated community located in Antrim County in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is situated on U.S. Highway 131 just north of Mancelona. Half of the community is in Star Township and half is in Chestonia Township. In the 1900's, it was the site of the Detroit and Charlevoix and Grand Rapids and Indiana railroad junction.