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.
Hillsdale is a city in the state of Michigan. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 8,233. It is the county seat of Hillsdale County, and is run as a council-manager government. On November 8, 2005, 18-year-old high school student Michael Sessions, was elected mayor as a write-in candidate, defeating 51-year old incumbent Doug Ingles, and at the time of his election believed to be the youngest mayor in the United States. The city is the home of Hillsdale College, a private liberal arts college noted for its academics and its influence in politics and education. The city is situated mostly within Hillsdale Township, but is a municipality governed independently of the township. Nearby communities include: Allen, Bankers, Cambria, Camden, Frontier, Jerome, Jonesville, Litchfield, Montgomery, Moscow, Mosherville, North Adams, Osseo, Pittsford, Prattville, Ransom, Reading, and Waldron.