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.
Taos is a town in Taos County in the north-central region of New Mexico. In New Mexico, a municipality may call itself a village, town, or city. Taos calls itself the "Town of Taos" and was incorporated as such in 1934. As of the 2000 census, its population was 4,700. Other nearby communities include Ranchos de Taos, Canyon, Ranchitos, and El Prado. Being located close to Taos Pueblo, the Native American village and tribe from which it takes its name, it is also the county seat of Taos County. The name also refers to the nearby ski resort of Taos Ski Valley. The English name Taos derives from the native Taos language meaning "place of red willows".