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.
Oneonta is a city in southern Otsego County, New York, USA. As of the 2000 U.S. Census, had a population of 13,292. Its nickname is "City of the Hills. " The word "oneonta" is of undetermined origin, but it is popularly thought to mean "place of open rocks" in the Iroquois language. This refers to a prominent geological formation known as "tablerocks" at the western end of the city. The city is surrounded by the town of Oneonta, a separate municipal and political unit. Oneonta is home to the State University of New York at Oneonta and Hartwick College. Oneonta Municipal Airport (N66) is north of the city.