Resources for Caseworkers

Resources for Caseworkers

There are a number of essential documents that contain information caseworkers may need to consult to answer constituent questions. This section describes some of these documents.

Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)  

The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, Reflecting Amendments through December 2, 1997, including notes and related law.

Public Laws Amending the INA

Federal Register

Any new or proposed change in USCIS regulations must be published prior to implementation. When a proposed change in regulation may possibly have an effect on individuals or groups, the public, legal profession, and any other interested parties must be given an opportunity to comment, usually during a three-month period. These comments will be taken into consideration before the final rule is published.

Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)

A codification of the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the Executive Departments of Agencies of the Federal Government. Title 8, Aliens and Nationality (8 CFR), is composed of one volume and is issued January 1 of each year. The contents represent all current regulations issued by the USCIS. The Code is divided into 50 titles that represent broad areas that are subject to Federal regulation. Each title is divided into chapters that usually bear the name of the issuing agency. These chapters are subdivided into parts covering specific regulatory areas. Each volume of the Code is revised at least once annually and issued quarterly.

United States Code Annotated (U.S.C.A.)

The United States Code contains 50 titles relating to legal issues governed by Federal Law. Title 8, United States Code (U.S.C.) is reserved for aliens and nationality. The U.S.C.A. contains the latest statutes, historical notes and cross references, with annotations from Federal and State courts concerning each specific issue.

Visa Bulletin

This publication, published by the Department of State, summarizes the availability of immigrant visa numbers during a particular month.

Interpreter Releases

This is a privately owned and published (West Law Corporation) report and analysis of immigration and nationality law designed to inform the legal profession of immigration related topics. The report contains discussion and analysis of recent judicial and administrative decisions, recent developments within USCIS, proposed and final regulations, policy memos and updates, and any other information affecting immigration matters.

Federal Reporters

The Federal Reporters (various series contains decisions by Circuit Courts of Appeals, District Courts and the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia for a specific geographical area) with references to related prior decisions.

Federal Supplement (F. Supp)

The Federal Supplement contains decisions argued and determined in the District Courts of the United States.

Board of Immigration (BIA) Decisions

Decision by the Board of Immigration Appeals on cases appealed to them from immigration courts.

Glossary of Common Immigration Terms