Immigration law in the United States is one of the few areas of law that operates almost entirely under federal authority. Unlike criminal law, family law, or real estate law — which are handled at the state level — immigration law is governed by national statutes and administered by federal agencies. But why is that? And what does it mean for individuals, families, and businesses seeking immigration assistance?
At Rebecca Black Law, P.A., we often meet clients who are surprised to learn that immigration attorneys can represent clients anywhere in the United States or abroad, not just in Florida. That’s because immigration law is federal in nature, and understanding that distinction can help immigrants and sponsors make more informed legal decisions.
The Constitutional Foundation of Federal Immigration Law
The U.S. Constitution gives Congress the authority to make laws regarding immigration and naturalization. Article I, Section 8 grants Congress the power:
“To establish a uniform Rule of Naturalization…”
This “uniform rule” means that immigration laws must be consistent across the nation. Whether you live in Florida, California, or New York, the same immigration statutes apply — ensuring that people are treated equally regardless of their location.
This federal authority prevents states from creating conflicting immigration systems. Without this uniformity, immigrants could face drastically different outcomes depending on which state they lived in — a situation that would create confusion and unfairness. Instead, all visa, green card, asylum, and citizenship cases are governed by federal laws and regulations enacted by Congress and interpreted by national agencies like:
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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
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U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
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The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), which oversees immigration courts
Why States Can’t Create Their Own Immigration Laws
While states can pass laws that impact immigrants indirectly (for example, driver’s license eligibility or in-state tuition rules), they cannot control who enters or stays in the United States. That authority belongs solely to the federal government.
Over the years, courts have reaffirmed this principle. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled repeatedly that immigration law falls under the exclusive control of the federal government because immigration affects foreign relations, national security, and trade — areas where the United States must speak with “one voice.”
For example, in Arizona v. United States (2012), the Court struck down several provisions of a state immigration law, emphasizing that the federal government’s role in immigration is supreme and preemptive.
What This Means for Immigrants and Families
Because immigration law is federal, you are not limited to hiring an attorney in your own state. If you are in Georgia, Texas, or even abroad, you can work with Rebecca Black Law, P.A. in Florida to handle your immigration case. This flexibility allows clients to choose a firm that truly specializes in immigration — not just a general practitioner who happens to be nearby.
At Rebecca Black Law, P.A., our team helps clients across the United States and internationally with cases involving:
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Family-based immigration, including spousal, fiancé(e), parent, and child visas
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Employment-based visas, such as H-1B, L-1, O-1, E-2, and EB-5
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Humanitarian relief, including asylum, U visas, VAWA petitions, and TPS
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Deportation and removal defense, before the immigration courts and Board of Immigration Appeals
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Citizenship and naturalization applications and interviews
Because our practice focuses exclusively on U.S. immigration and nationality law, we can represent clients before USCIS, the Department of State, the Department of Labor, and federal immigration courts — no matter where they live.
Federal Immigration Law and National Consistency
The federal nature of immigration law ensures that every case follows the same legal standards, but the implementation can still vary by region. Different USCIS field offices, consulates, or immigration courts may interpret policies slightly differently. That’s why having an experienced immigration attorney — one who understands both federal law and local practices — can make a crucial difference.
Attorney Rebecca Black, a Jacksonville-based immigration lawyer with over 15 years of experience, emphasizes that federal uniformity doesn’t mean one-size-fits-all advocacy. Each client’s background, goals, and challenges are unique, and the firm builds individualized strategies while applying consistent federal laws.
How Federal Authority Helps International Clients
For immigrants living abroad, federal immigration law means they can work with a U.S.-based immigration lawyer even before arriving in the United States. Whether a client is in South America applying for a family-based visa, or in Europe preparing for an investor visa interview, Rebecca Black Law, P.A. can provide direct legal representation and coordination with U.S. embassies and consulates.
The firm frequently handles consular processing, waivers of inadmissibility, and national interest waivers, collaborating with clients across time zones to ensure applications are complete and compelling.
Why Choosing a Federal Immigration Law Firm Matters
Because immigration law is federal, not every lawyer is equally qualified to navigate its complexities. Experience matters. A dedicated immigration law firm like Rebecca Black Law, P.A. stays current on rapidly changing policies, executive orders, and agency guidance — ensuring clients always receive accurate, strategic, and up-to-date counsel.
When you work with a firm that practices immigration law exclusively, you benefit from:
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A deep understanding of federal immigration statutes and regulations
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Strategic case preparation tailored to complex agency procedures
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Nationwide and international representation
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Compassionate, multilingual service (English, Spanish, and French)
One Law, One Nation — Your Immigration Partner Everywhere
U.S. immigration law being federal means one crucial thing for immigrants and families: you have access to consistent legal protection and nationwide representation. Whether you live in Florida or abroad, you can trust that the same laws apply — and that the right immigration attorney can help you navigate them from anywhere.
At Rebecca Black Law, P.A., we are proud to use this federal framework to serve clients across the country and around the world. From family reunification to business immigration and deportation defense, our mission remains the same: to protect your future, your family, and your peace of mind.
