Laws & Regulations

The primary statute governing U.S. immigration law is the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, as amended (INA). The INA is codified in Title 8 of the U.S. Code.

The Department of State implements these statutory authorities through its regulations at Title 22 of the Code of Federal Regulations.  

In addition, Chapter 9 of the Foreign Affairs Manual (9 FAM) contains directives and guidance for Department of State personnel, including consular officers, based on applicable statutes, regulations, Executive Orders, Presidential directives, and other sources.  

These laws and regulations are below, as is a link to 9 FAM.