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Who Does What?
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Responsibility for administering the immigration system of the United States is divided among several federal agencies. These agencies, and their specific responsibilities are:
The Visa Office of the Department of State is responsible for, among other things, supervising overseas consular posts, providing advisory opinions as to issues of law in connection with visa applications, and issuing the monthly Visa Bulletin.
United States consular offices overseas are responsible for accepting and processing nonimmigrant and immigrant visa applications made by foreign nationals. They also assist United States citizens abroad.
Department of Homeland Security
The USCIS is responsible for accepting and processing petitions and applications for immigration benefits.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement is the agency responsible for enforcement activities in the interior of the United States. ICE arrests foreign nationals who are out of status and prosecutes them in immigration court. They also investigate employers to make sure that they comply with workplace related immigration laws.
United State Customs and Border Protection determines who may enter the United States through established ports of entry. CBP also operates the Border Patrol, apprehending foreign nationals who attempt to enter the United States illegally.
The Executive Office for Immigration Review operates the immigration courts in local offices as well as the Board of Immigration Appeals.
The Office of Special Counsel for Immigration-Related Unfair Employment Practices investigates and prosecutes employers engaged in unfair employment practices.
The DOL's Office of Foreign Labor Certification administers the H1B and H2 nonimmigrant programs, as well as the immigrant foreign labor certification (PERM) program.
Department of Health and Human Services
HHS is responsible for administering the medical examinations of foreign nationals coming to the United States