United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
ICE’s stated mission is to protect America from the cross-border crime and illegal immigration that threaten national security and public safety. Search the ICE website for any person you have reason to believe is under ICE’s custody. You will need their alien number (A-number). If you don’t have an A-number, as is often the case, then you will need the person’s full name, country of birth, and birthday.
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
USCIS is responsible for administering and granting green cards, temporary visas, and citizenship. Check the status of your case using the INFOPASS function on the USCIS website.
United States Department of State
Consular Affairs
This agency (“DOS”) is responsible for carrying out U.S. foreign policy and international relations. The DOS adjudicates visas; and responds to the needs of U.S. citizens abroad. Check your priority dates by checking the visa bulletin board page monthly.
United States Department of Justice
Executed Office for Immigration Review
The Justice Department is responsible for administering several federal law enforcement agencies such as the Executive Office for Immigration Review and the Board of Immigration Appeals. The DOJ website has a helpful virtual law library along with court practice manuals.
United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
CBP is the country’s primary border control organization. It is charged with regulating and facilitating international trade, collecting import duties, and enforcing U.S. regulations, including trade, customs, and immigration. CBP is one of the largest law enforcement agencies in the United States.
Social Security Administration (SSA)
SSA is an independent agency of the U.S. federal government that administers Social Security, a social insurance program consisting of retirement, disability, and survivor benefits. To qualify for most of these benefits, most workers pay Social Security taxes on their earnings; the claimant’s benefits are based on the wage earner’s contributions.
