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.
Kirkland is a city in King County, Washington, United States. It is a suburb of Seattle on the Eastside. The population was 45,054 at the 2000 census; its estimated 2006 population of 46,476 makes it the 9th largest city in King County and the 19th largest city in the state. Effective June 1, 2011, Kirkland will add approximately 33,000 residents by annexation, making it the 6th largest city in King County and the 12th largest in the state. Features of the city include its downtown, located on the lakefront (Kirkland is the only city on the Eastside with a waterfront downtown), with restaurants, art galleries, a 400 seat performing arts center, public parks, including beaches, and a collection of public art, primarily bronze sculptures. Kirkland is the former home of the Seattle Seahawks; the NFL team's headquarters and training facility were located in Kirkland for its first 32 seasons. The Seahawks moved to the new 19-acre (77,000 m) Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton on August 18, 2008. Warehouse chain Costco previously had its headquarters in Kirkland, hence the "Kirkland Signature" store brand. Prominent companies such as Bungie Studios have headquarters in Kirkland, has a Google development office; see List of companies based in Kirkland, Washington. Kirkland had its moment in the limelight when the 1982 Kirkland National Little League team won the Little League World Series. It also was the home to Little League's 1992 Big League Softball World Series Champions representing the Eastside District Nine Leagues. Since 1999 Kirkland has been the home of the Little League Junior Softball World Series held each August at Kirkland's Everest Park.