Have a case pending at USCIS? Check its status online now for free.

Application Receipt Number:

---

Enter the 13-character Application Receipt Number above.

Main topic: Immigration Law ::: Sub topic: Immigration Law

IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY ACT (INA)

Understanding basic immigration law can have many benefits. However, U.S. immigration laws can be quite complex.

Our immigration law firm has immigration lawyers that can assist you. We make it easy for you to speak to an immigration lawyer.

Current immigration laws may help you and your relatives to obtain immigration benefits. These benefits can include a green card (or legal permanent residence), work permit, U.S. citizenship or naturalization, etc.

The Immigration and Nationality Act, or INA, was created in 1952. The Act has been amended many times over the years, but is still the basic body of immigration law.

The INA is divided into titles, chapters, and sections. Although it stands alone as a body of law, the Act is also contained in the United States Code (U.S.C.). The code is a collection of all the laws of the United States. It is arranged in fifty subject titles by general alphabetic order. Title 8 of the U.S. Code is but one of the fifty titles and deals with "Aliens and Nationality". When browsing the INA or other statutes you will often see reference to the U.S. Code citation. For example, Section 208 of the INA deals with asylum, and is also contained in 8 U.S.C. 1158. Although it is correct to refer to a specific section by either its INA citation or its U.S. code, the INA citation is more commonly used.

IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY ACT (INA)

INA: TITLE I

ACT 101 of the INA   Definitions
ACT 102 of the INA   Applicability of Title II to certain Nonimmigrants
ACT 103 of the INA   Powers and duties of the Attorney General and the Commissioner.
ACT 104 of the INA   Powers and duties of the Secretary of State
ACT 105 of the INA   Liaison with internal security officers.
ACT 106 of the INA   Employment authorization for battered spouses of certain nonimmigrants.

INA: TITLE II -- IMMIGRATION

CHAPTER 1 - SELECTION SYSTEM

ACT 201 of the INA   Worldwide level of immigration.
ACT 202 of the INA   Numerical limitation to any single foreign state.
ACT 203 of the INA   Allocation of immigrant visas.
ACT 204 of the INA   Procedure for granting immigrant status.
ACT 205 of the INA   Revocation of approval of petitions.
ACT 206 of the INA   Unused immigrant visas.
ACT 207 of the INA   Annual admission of refugees and admission of emergency situation refugees.
ACT 208 of the INA   Asylum
ACT 209 of the INA   Adjustment of status of refugees.
ACT 210 of the INA   Special agricultural workers.
ACT 210A of the INA   Repealed

CHAPTER 2 -- QUALIFICATIONS FOR ADMISSION OF ALIENS; TRAVEL CONTROL OF CITIZENS AND ALIENS

ACT 211 of the INA   Documentary requirements.
ACT 212 of the INA   General classes of aliens ineligible to receive visas and ineligible for admission; waivers of inadmissibility.
ACT 213 of the INA   Admission of certain aliens on giving bond.
ACT 213A of the INA   Requirements for sponsor's affidavit of support.
ACT 214 of the INA   Admission of nonimmigrants.
ACT 215 of the INA   Travel documentation of aliens and citizens.
ACT 216 of the INA   Conditional permanent resident status for certain alien spouses and sons and daughters.
ACT 216A of the INA   Conditional permanent resident status for certain alien entrepreneurs, spouses, and children.
ACT 217 of the INA   Visa waiver program for certain visitors.
ACT 218 of the INA   Admission of temporary H - 2A workers.
ACT 219 of the INA   Designation of foreign terrorist organization

CHAPTER 3 -- ISSUANCE OF ENTRY DOCUMENTS

ACT 221 of the INA   Issuance of visas.
ACT 222 of the INA   Applications for visas.
ACT 223 of the INA   Reentry permits.
ACT 224 of the INA   Immediate relative and special immigrant visas.

CHAPTER 4 -- INSPECTION, APPREHENSION, EXAMINATION, EXCLUSION, AND REMOVAL

ACT 231 of the INA   Lists of alien and citizen passengers arriving or departing; record of resident aliens and citizens leaving permanently for foreign country.
ACT 232 of the INA   Detention of aliens for observation and examination.
ACT 233 of the INA   Entry through or form foreign territory and adjacent islands; landing stations.
ACT 234 of the INA   Designation of ports of entry for aliens arriving by civil aircraft.
ACT 235 of the INA   Inspection by immigration officers; expedited removal of inadmissible arriving aliens; referral for hearing.
ACT 235A of the INA   Preinspection at foreign airports.
ACT 236 of the INA   Apprehension and detention of aliens.
ACT 236A of the INA   Mandatory Detention of Suspected Terrorists; Habeas Corpus; Judicial Review
ACT 237 of the INA   General classes of deportable aliens.
ACT 238 of the INA   Expedited removal of aliens convicted of committing aggravated felonies.
ACT 239 of the INA   Initiation of removal proceedings.
ACT 240 of the INA   Removal proceedings
ACT 240A of the INA   Cancellation of removal; adjustment of status.
ACT 240B of the INA   Voluntary departure.
ACT 240C of the INA   Records of admission.
ACT 241 of the INA   Detention and removal of aliens ordered removed.
ACT 242 of the INA   Judicial review of orders of removal
ACT 242A of the INA   Redesignated
ACT 242B of the INA   Repealed
ACT 243 of the INA   Penalties related to removal
ACT 244 of the INA   Temporary protected status

CHAPTER 5 -- ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS

ACT 245 of the INA   Adjustment of status of nonimmigrant to that of person admitted for permanent residence.
ACT 245A of the INA   Adjustment of status of certain entrants before January 1, 1982, to that of person admitted for lawful residence
ACT 246 of the INA   Rescission of adjustment of status
ACT 247 of the INA   Adjustment of status of certain resident aliens to nonimmigrant status
ACT 248 of the INA   Change of nonimmigrant classification
ACT 249 of the INA   Record of admission for permanent residence in the case of certain aliens who entered the United States prior to July 1, 1924 or January 1, 1972
ACT 250 of the INA   Removal of aliens who have fallen into distress

CHAPTER 6 -- SPECIAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO ALIEN CREWMEN

ACT 251 of the INA   Lists of alien crewmen; reports of illegal landings
ACT 252 of the INA   Conditional permits to land temporarily
ACT 253 of the INA   Hospital treatment of alien crewmen afflicted with certain diseases
ACT 254 of the INA   Control of alien crewmen
ACT 255 of the INA   Employment on passenger vessels of aliens afflicted with certain disabilities
ACT 256 of the INA   Discharge of alien crewmen
ACT 257 of the INA   Bringing alien crewmen into United States with intent to evade immigration laws
ACT 258 of the INA   Limitations on performance of longshore work by alien crewmen

CHAPTER 7 -- REGISTRATION OF ALIENS

ACT 261 of the INA   Aliens seeking entry into the United States
ACT 262 of the INA   Registration of aliens in the United States
ACT 263 of the INA   Provisions governing registration of special groups
ACT 264 of the INA   Forms and procedure
ACT 265 of the INA   Notices of change of address
ACT 266 of the INA   Penalties

CHAPTER 8 -- GENERAL PENALTY PROVISIONS

ACT 271 of the INA   Prevention of unauthorized landing of aliens
ACT 272 of the INA   Bringing in aliens subject to exclusion on a health-related ground
ACT 273 of the INA   Unlawful bringing of aliens into United States
ACT 274 of the INA   Bringing in and harboring certain aliens
ACT 274A of the INA   Unlawful employment of aliens
ACT 274B of the INA   Unfair immigration-related employment practices
ACT 274C of the INA   Penalties for document fraud
ACT 274D of the INA   Civil penalties for failure to depart
ACT 275 of the INA   Entry of alien at improper time or place; misrepresentation and concealment of facts
ACT 276 of the INA   Reentry of removed alien
ACT 277 of the INA   Aiding or assisting certain aliens to enter the United States
ACT 278 of the INA   Importation of alien for immoral purpose
ACT 279 of the INA   Jurisdiction of district courts
ACT 280 of the INA   Collection of penalties and expenses

CHAPTER 9 -- MISCELLANEOUS

ACT 281 of the INA   Nonimmigrant visa fees
ACT 282 of the INA   Printing of reentry permits and blank forms of manifests and crew lists
ACT 283 of the INA   Travel expenses and expense of transporting remains of immigration officers and employees who die outside of the United States
ACT 284 of the INA   Members of the Armed Forces
ACT 285 of the INA   Disposal of privileges at immigrant stations
ACT 286 of the INA   Disposition of moneys collected under the provisions of this title
ACT 287 of the INA   Powers of immigration officers and employees
ACT 288 of the INA   Local jurisdiction over immigrant stations
ACT 289 of the INA   American Indians born in Canada
ACT 290 of the INA   Central file; information from other departments and agencies
ACT 291 of the INA   Burden of proof
ACT 292 of the INA   Right to counsel
ACT 293 of the INA   Deposit of and interest on cash received to secure immigration bonds
ACT 294 of the INA   Undercover investigation authority
ACT 295 of the INA   Transportation of remains of immigration officers and border patrol agents killed in the line of duty

INA: TITLE III

CHAPTER 1 -- NATIONALITY AT BIRTH AND BY COLLECTIVE NATURALIZATION

ACT 301 of the INA   Nationals and citizens of the United States at birth
ACT 302 of the INA   Persons born in Puerto Rico
ACT 303 of the INA   Persons born in the Canal Zone or Republic of Panama on or after February 26, 1904
ACT 304 of the INA   Persons born in Alaska on or after March 30, 1867
ACT 305 of the INA   Persons born in Hawaii
ACT 306 of the INA   Persons living in and born in the Virgin Islands
ACT 307 of the INA   Persons living in and born in Guam
ACT 308 of the INA   Nationals but not citizens of the United States at birth
ACT 309 of the INA   Children born out of wedlock

CHAPTER 2 -- NATIONALITY THROUGH NATURALIZATION

ACT 310 of the INA   Naturalization authority
ACT 311 of the INA   Eligibility for naturalization
ACT 312 of the INA   Requirements as to understanding the English language, history, principles and form of government of the United States
ACT 313 of the INA   Prohibition upon the naturalization of persons opposed to government or law, or who favor totalitarian forms of government
ACT 314 of the INA   Ineligibility to naturalization of deserters from the Armed Forces of the United States
ACT 315 of the INA   Alien relieved from training and service in the Armed Forces of the United States because of alienage barred from citizenship
ACT 316 of the INA   Requirements as to residence, good moral character, attachment to the principles of the Constitution, and favorable disposition to the United States
ACT 317 of the INA   Temporary absence of persons performing religious duties
ACT 318 of the INA   Prerequisites to naturalization -- burden of proof
ACT 319 of the INA   Married persons and employees of certain nonprofit organizations
ACT 320 of the INA   Children born outside the United States and residing permanently in the United States; conditions under which citizenship automatically acquired
ACT 321 of the INA   [Repealed]
ACT 322 of the INA   Children born and residing outside the United States; conditions for acquiring certificate of citizenship
ACT 323 of the INA   Repealed
ACT 324 of the INA   Former citizens of United States regaining United States citizenship
ACT 325 of the INA   Nationals but not citizens of the United States; residence within outlying possessions
ACT 326 of the INA   Resident Philippine citizens excepted from certain requirements
ACT 327 of the INA   Former United States citizens losing citizenship by entering the armed forces of foreign countries during World War II
ACT 328 of the INA   Naturalization through service in the Armed Forces of the United States
ACT 329 of the INA   Naturalization through active-duty service in the Armed Forces during World War I, World War II, the Korean hostilities, the Vietnam hostilities, or in other periods of military hostilities
ACT 329A of the INA   Posthumous citizenship through death while on active-duty service in the armed forces during World War I, World War II, the Korean hostilities, the Vietnam hostilities, or in other periods of military hostilities
ACT 330 of the INA   Constructive residence through service on certain United States vessels
ACT 331 of the INA   Alien enemies; naturalization under specified conditions and procedure
ACT 332 of the INA   Procedural and administrative provisions; executive functions
ACT 333 of the INA   Photographs
ACT 334 of the INA   Application for naturalization; declaration of intention
ACT 335 of the INA   Investigation of applicants; examination of applications
ACT 336 of the INA   Hearings on denials of applications for naturalization
ACT 337 of the INA   Oath of renunciation and allegiance
ACT 338 of the INA   Certificate of naturalization; contents
ACT 339 of the INA   Functions and duties of clerks and records of declarations of intention and applications for naturalization
ACT 340 of the INA   Revocation of naturalization
ACT 341 of the INA   Certificates of citizenship or U.S. non-citizen national status; procedure
ACT 342 of the INA   Cancellation of certificates issued by the Attorney General, the Commissioner or a Deputy Commissioner; action not to affect citizenship status
ACT 343 of the INA   Documents and copies issued by the Attorney General
ACT 344 of the INA   Fiscal provisions
ACT 345 of the INA   Repealed
ACT 346 of the INA   Authorization granted for publication and distribution of citizenship textbooks from naturalization fees
ACT 347 of the INA   Compilation of naturalization statistics and payment for equipment
ACT 348 of the INA   Repealed

CHAPTER 3 -- LOSS OF NATIONALITY

ACT 349 of the INA   Loss of nationality by native-born or naturalized citizen
ACT 350 of the INA   Repealed
ACT 351 of the INA   Restrictions on loss of nationality
ACT 352 of the INA   Repealed
ACT 353 of the INA   Repealed
ACT 354 of the INA   Repealed
ACT 355 of the INA   Repealed
ACT 356 of the INA   Nationality lost solely from performance of acts or fulfillment of conditions
ACT 357 of the INA   Application of treaties; exceptions

CHAPTER 4 -- MISCELLANEOUS

ACT 358 of the INA   Certificate of diplomatic or consular officer of the United States as to loss of American nationality under Chapter IV, Nationality Act of 1940, or under Chapter 3 of this title
ACT 359 of the INA   Certificate of nationality for a person not a naturalized citizen for use in proceedings of a foreign state
ACT 360 of the INA   Judicial proceedings for declaration of United States nationality in event of denial of rights and privileges as national
ACT 361 of the INA   Cancellation of United States passports and Consular Reports of Birth

INA: TITLE IV

CHAPTER 1 -- MISCELLANEOUS

ACT 401 of the INA   Repealed
ACT 402 of the INA   Omitted as executed
ACT 403 of the INA   Omitted as executed
ACT 404 of the INA   Authorization of appropriations
ACT 405 of the INA   Savings clauses
ACT 406 of the INA   Separability
ACT 407 of the INA   Effective date

CHAPTER 2 -- REFUGEE ASSISTANCE

ACT 411 of the INA   Office of Refugee Resettlement
ACT 412 of the INA   Authorization for programs for domestic resettlement of and assistance to refugees
ACT 413 of the INA   Congressional reports
ACT 414 of the INA   Authorization of appropriations

INA: TITLE V

ACT 501 of the INA   Definitions
ACT 502 of the INA   Establishment of removal court
ACT 503 of the INA   Removal court procedure
ACT 504 of the INA   Removal Hearing
ACT 505 of the INA   Appeals
ACT 506 of the INA   Custody and release pending removal hearing
ACT 507 of the INA   Custody and release after removal hearing

ACRONYMS

IMMACT is the Immigration Act of 1990, Pub. L. 101-649, Stat. (November 29, 1990).

VCCLEA is the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, Pub. L. 103-322, 108 Stat. 1796 (September 13, 1994).

INTC is the Immigration and Naturalization Technical Corrections of 1994, Pub. L. 103-416, Stat. (October 25, 1994).

MTINA is the Miscellaneous and Technical Immigration and Naturalization Amendments of 1991, Pub. L. 102-232, 105 Stat. 1733. (December 12, 1991).

AEDPA is the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104-132, 110 Stat. 1214 (April 24, 1996).

IIRIRA is the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsiblity Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104-208, 110 Stat. 3009 (September 30, 1996).

Top of page.