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.
Old Chatham is a hamlet in the northeast quadrant of the township of Chatham, located in Columbia County, New York. It is one of the earliest settlements in the township and was originally named Chatham. The center of Old Chatham is marked by a few businesses around the intersection of the Albany Turnpike and County Rt. 13. There is the United States Post Office for area code 12136, the Old Chatham Country Store (which includes a cafe/restaurant), and Jackson's Old Chatham House (another restaurant). Also in Old Chatham is the Old Chatham Sheepherding Company and the Shaker Museum.