This CLE program provides attorneys with a practical overview of the foundational structure of U.S. immigration law and how it operates across different legal contexts. The session is designed to help practitioners understand the major categories of immigration status and the rules that govern entry, stay, and work authorization in the United States. The program will review the primary classifications of temporary admission, including common nonimmigrant visa categories and the general requirements associated with lawful entry and authorized stay. It will also outline the major routes to permanent residence, including family-based immigration, employment-based petitions, and other statutory pathways that may apply in specific circumstances.

Attention will be given to the process of transitioning from temporary status to lawful permanent residence and ultimately to U.S. citizenship. The discussion will highlight the key steps involved in naturalization, along with the eligibility criteria that must be satisfied at each stage of the process.

In addition, the course will address employer-related responsibilities under U.S. immigration law, including work authorization verification, documentation requirements, and common areas of compliance risk. Participants will gain an understanding of how these obligations apply in practical workplace settings and the potential consequences of noncompliance.

The program will also cover federal anti-discrimination provisions related to immigration status and national origin, with a focus on hiring, recruitment, and employment eligibility verification practices. This CLE is intended to give practitioners a clear, structured understanding of how immigration law functions across individual status determinations, employment compliance, and regulatory enforcement.