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.
Cortlandt Manor is an area located in the Town of Cortlandt in Northern Westchester County, New York. Cortlandt Manor is situated directly east, north and south of Peekskill, and east of three villages of the Town of Cortlandt, Croton-on-Hudson, Crugers, and Montrose. Most of the area is made up of middle-class residential homes. Until 1991, this area shared a mailing address and ZIP Code (10566) with the city of Peekskill. Although it now has its own ZIP code, 10567, many directories and censuses still do not include Cortlandt Manor, because it is unincorporated. Residents move here for the good schools, housing values, and scenic beauty. The town contains the Blue Mountain Reservation which has many acres of hiking trails. The term "Cortlandt Manor" was created by the United States Post Office to differentiate this part of the town of Corlandt from Cortland, New York. The name Cortlandt Manor is derived from the estate of Van Cortlandt (actually located in Croton-on-Hudson), the colonial aristocrat who originally owned much of the area. Cortlandt Manor is part of the Hendrick Hudson Central School District. Two of the schools in Hendrick Hudson Central School District are located in Cortlandt Manor: Furnace Woods Elementary School and Blue Mountain Middle School, which are separated by multiple soccer fields. Other parts of Cortlandt Manor are in the Lakeland Central School District. One of the Lakeland Central School District schools is located in Cortlandt Manor: Walter Panas High School.