About this course
What you’ll learn
This course explores all significant aspects of the immigration and naturalization process in the United States, including the Homeland Security Act of 2002 and the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996. Topics include worker and student visas, as well as Family Residence requirements, and the removal process.
Finally, the course covers citizenship and the requirements for an immigrant to become a citizen. Paralegals who plan to work in this challenging and demanding area will find the information gained in this course especially helpful in a rapidly growing specialty in the law.
Learning objectives
Participants will demonstrate the following skills through successful completion of all required coursework and assignments:
- Define the key terms related to immigration law
- Name the sources of federal jurisdiction over immigration
- Discuss which persons may qualify as Visitors for Business & Pleasure
- Explain the procedural requirements to obtain B-1 and B-2 visas
- Explain the Visa Waiver Program
- Define the meaning of TN status
- Name which persons may qualify for Visas for Temporary Workers
- Discuss which persons may qualify for Temporary Visas for Students
- Explain the procedural requirements to obtain H visas, E visas, L visas and J visas
- Explain the procedural requirements to obtain an F-1 visa and an M visa
- Explain which persons may qualify for Temporary Visas for Particular Occupations
- Discuss the procedural requirements to obtain O, P, Q and R visas
- Identify which persons may qualify for Employment Based & Investor Immigrant Preferences
- Explain the procedural requirements to obtain EB visas
- Explain which persons may qualify for Family Based Residency & Visas
- Identify the categories of Family Based Residency
- Discuss the requirements for Conditional Residence
- Explain the procedural requirements to obtain K visas and V visas
- Discuss the legal standard for asylum/refugee protection in the United States
- Name the bars to eligibility for asylum
- Explain the procedure for filing an application for asylum
- Summarize the Convention Against Torture
- Define inadmissibility and removal
- Explain the process of seeking relief through appeals
- Determine what is meant by citizenship
- Discuss the statutory & other requirements to become a naturalized citizen
- Identify the bars to naturalization
- Explain the naturalization process
- Discuss the two ways by which citizenship may be lost, namely denaturalization and expatriation
- Explain the changes in immigration law which have been implemented to limit the rights of aliens in the U.S. since 9/11/2001
- Discuss the changes instituted by the Homeland Security Bill of 2002
- Summarize the changes regarding student visas implemented on January 1, 2003
- Identify the consequences of hiring illegal aliens
Continuing Education Information
You will be expected to spend an average of 8 hours per week reading and completing writing assignments. Please note that extensions will not be granted for this online course. 70% is the minimum passing score on all tests and assignments for this course. Students may consider working ahead in the curriculum if they have the time. Coursework in Immigration Law is equivalent to 45 clock hours of study.
Requirements & policies
Accommodations
The University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education is committed to providing equal access to continuing education programs for students living with permanent or temporary disabilities. Learn more about the program accommodations (Opens in a new window).
Prerequisites
Successful completion of Paralegal I and II, or equivalent experience.
Textbooks
Required textbooks for this course:
- Immigration Law for Paralegals, Most recent edition, Durham: Carolina Academic Press, Maria Isabel Casablanca and Gloria Roa Bodin.
Highly Recommended Legal Resources:
- WESTLAW, legal research access, available for the duration of the course for only $89. Order Online Now
- Gilbert Pocket Size Law Dictionary, 3rd Edition. West Academic.
Organizations
Supporting associations
The Advanced Legal Research and Writing Certificate is offered by the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education in partnership with CLS by BARBRI.
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