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.
Ashland is a town in Benton County, Mississippi, United States. The population was 577 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Benton County. Ashland was incorporated on March 8, 1871 and has a Mayor-Alderman form of government. Mitch Carroll is the 28th Mayor of the Town of Ashland, and Sandra Gresham, Fort Knighton, Bobby Miller, Billy Taylor and Shannon Wilburn make up the present Board of Aldermen. William H. "Bill" Stone was elected to Mississippi State Senate in November 2007 and a special election was held in the town of Ashland to fill mayoral vacancy. Mitch Carroll defeated brother Mike Carroll by 17 votes to secure the position. Ashland is the home of the Farese Law Firm, a regional firm renowned for its criminal and civil work. The firm has most recently been involved in the high profile Mary Winkler case from Selmer, Tennessee. Ashland is also home of Bill Renick, a 2007 candidate for Governor of Mississippi. Willie Mitchell, the legendary Memphis musician, owner of Hi Records, and producer of Al Green, is also from here.