If you’ve been following this blog for a while, you’ve undoubtedly heard the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) mentioned quite a lot. Anyone familiar with the immigration process has undoubtedly dealt with the USCIS before, but many people still aren’t quite sure where it came from, and what it does. The USCIS, which was formally called Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS), is a branch of the Department of Homeland Security. The USCIS, in fitting with its name, was created to provide immigration services to its customers. Not only that, but the USCIS is also responsible, as a government agency, for administering and modifying United States immigration laws. It is best to think of it as the controlling agency related to all things immigration. The main function of the USCIS is to provide immigration-related services to all American citizens, as well as foreign born nationals who are interested in immigrating to the United States. If an individual plans to visit the U.S. temporarily, or would like to live here permanently, the USCIS offers services and information in each case. The main goal of the USCIS can be summed up by saying that through offering information and immigration enforcement, the USCIS seeks to enforce national security, while allowing interested foreigners a chance to immigrate. There are USCIS offices all over the country, and you can find a major USCIS office in each state. You will need to have an appointment to enter the USCIS building, however. If you have any questions about the USCIS, or in dealing with them, then do not hesitate to speak with an experienced immigration attorney. Not only can they answer your questions, but in many cases, they can act as a mediator of sorts between you and the USCIS.