Regulations are rules issued by executive agencies that interpret and implement relevant laws passed by Congress for the respective agency. For example, Congress passes immigration laws that direct the work of DHS. In turn, DHS issues regulations on how DHS will interpret and implement these laws. There are two places to search for regulations: the Code of Federal Regulations and the Federal Register.
A helpful resource in understanding regulations generally is the Regulatory Insight Library Guide from ProQuest.
The Code of Federal Regulations arranges agency rules by subject. Most immigration issues appear in Title 8 Aliens and Nationality. This annual publication is supplemented by the daily updates in the Federal Register.
The Federal Register is a daily publication containing final regulations, proposed rules, other agency notices, executive orders, and other presidential materials. The Federal Register updates the CFR.
The highest administrative adjudicator, the BIA interprets and applies immigration laws, reviewing decisions of immigration judges' and DHS directors. BIA decisions are appealed to federal courts.
The AAO hears appeals in select categories of benefit denials, including employment-based petitions, fiancee and orphan petitions, and certain visa applications.
The OCAHO hears select cases under the Immigration and Nationality Act involving alien employment, immigration-related unfair employment practices, and immigrant-related document fraud.
Division of Foreign Labor Certification cases are appealed to the Department of Labor's BALCA.
Need help? Email us at asktulibrary@temple.edu
