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.
Nooksack is a city in Whatcom County, Washington, close to the border with Canada. The population was 851 at the 2000 census. This town shares Nooksack Valley School District with Sumas and Everson. The town is just a handful of buildings built around the highway that runs through it. The post office lost its official status in 1992 (and is now a department of rival town Everson), but still exists across from a small city park. Other noticeable remains are the two gas stations and several churches. It has no major geographic features except a small creek on the edge of town, near a cemetery containing many old graves. Nooksack contracts their Police and sewer services through the nearby City of Everson.