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.
Selkirk is a hamlet in the town of Bethlehem, Albany County, New York. It is located south of the city of Albany, it is an exurb of that city. A major freight railyard operated by the Selkirk Subdivision of CSX Transportation is located there; all of the CSX freight traffic going to or from Boston goes through Selkirk on its way to points north, south or west. The route is also used by traffic from New York City to points west, a detour known as the Selkirk hurdle. Also in Selkirk is Audubon International, a non-profit environmental educational organization.