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.
Centerport is a hamlet in Suffolk County, New York on the notably affluent North Shore of Long Island. Formerly known as Little Cow Harbor about 1700, Centreport in 1836, and then the present Centerport after 1895. The name refers to its geographic position midway between the east and west boundaries of the township of Huntington. As of the United States 2000 Census, the CDP population was 5,446. It is located in the Town of Huntington. Huntington and its surrounding hamlets mark the east end of Long Island's renowned "Gold Coast", the name deriving from the traditional wealth and gentility associated with the area. The association dates back to the early twentieth century in which many affluent families built their homes along the coast. In Centerport, an example of this is the mansion of William Kissam Vanderbilt II, otherwise known as the Vanderbilt Estate. Whereas Centerport is highly residential, characterized by windy driveways and beachfront hills, the town of Huntington is famous for its bustling "village", an area in the center of town filled with quaint shops, art galleries, restaurants, pubs, and spas. Over the years, it has become something of an attraction, garnering visitors from all over Long Island. Centerport is in the Harborfields Central School District. The schools include Harborfields High School, Oldfield Middle School, T.J. Lahey Elementary School, and the Washington Drive Primary School. In the past, the district has received Blue Ribbon awards of excellence. As is common among the many beachfront locations on Long Island's North Shore, Centerport has developed a large boating and sailing culture. An important part of this culture is the Centerport Yacht Club, which was founded in 1947 and has served as a social and athletic focal point for the boating community in both Centerport and its surrounding areas. The yacht club sponsors a variety of racing fleets and regattas every year generally beginning in the late spring and ending mid-autumn.