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.
Springfield is an unincorporated community in Fairfax County, Virginia, United States and is a suburb of Washington, D.C. Within Springfield are three census-designated places (CDPs): Springfield CDP, West Springfield CDP, and North Springfield CDP, plus a substantial portion of Newington CDP. All are officially titled Springfield by the United States Postal Service. The Springfield CDP is recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau with a population of 30,417 as of the 2000 census.