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.
Anthony is a census-designated place (CDP) in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, USA. The population was 7,904 at the 2000 census. It is located south of Las Cruces on the New Mexico–Texas state line in the Upper Mesilla Valley along Interstate 10. The city is also part of the Las Cruces Metropolitan Statistical Area. In an election held on January 5, 2010, Anthony residents voted in favor of incorporating the community. A total of 561 votes were cast, with 410 (73.1%) supporting the measure and 151 (26.9%) opposed. The new municipality will become official on July 1, 2010. In accordance with New Mexico state law, the city must elect and seat a mayor, city council, and judge by that date.