What are careers in immigration?

Immigration officers, customs agents, and border patrol agents are careers in immigration. Here are some details on these careers and other careers in immigration:

• Immigration officer

  Immigration officers work for federal, state, or local government agencies to assist with immigration processes. They are responsible for evaluating candidates' information on visas, citizenship, and asylum application and making sure that it is valid and accurate.

  If they are confronted by false or inaccurate information on any applications, they then must notify the proper officials within the government. They also conduct interviews with applicants and help them fill out the necessary forms, sometimes requesting additional documents from the candidates.

  A common workplace for an immigration officer is the Office of Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS); this is a department of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which operates as a division of Homeland Security.

  There are no education requirements for becoming an immigration officer, and most get an entry-level position at an agency and work their way up.

• Customs agent

  Customs agents work for the United States Customs and Border Protection to assist in enforcing laws immigration laws set by the Department of Homeland Security.

  Their main function is to ensure safety and enforce the laws regarding the United State's borders. They may also participate in trade laws and counterterrorism efforts.

  Some common tasks include going through the luggage of airline passengers, searching travelers for illegal items or materials, searching cargo ships' contents, and preventing drug and weapons smuggling.

  They help curb money laundering, prevent individuals from entering the US without proper documentation, and plan tactical operations to enforce immigration laws.

  Many customs agents have bachelor's or advanced degrees in criminal justice, security management, or other related fields.

• Border patrol agent

  Border patrol agents work for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. They are law enforcement officials that seek to uphold US laws regarding immigration, as well as the crossing of goods over international borders into the United States.

  Border patrol agents almost exclusively work at the borders of the US in the north (Canada) and the south (Mexico). They utilize covert surveillance, screen for illegal immigrants entering the country, prevent unlawful customs shipments or drug smuggling, and counter potential acts of terrorism.

  Border patrol agents work with various other immigration departments and officials to successfully surveil and protect the nation's borders. Human trafficking is another key concern in the work of a border patrol agent.

• Immigration information officer

  An immigration information officer works with immigrants who qualify to enter or live in the United States. They often help candidates fill out their applications and get all of the necessary documentation needed for their specific situation. They also lay out possible entry options for immigrants seeking to enter the country.

  They are also tasked with making sure all information on applications and documents related to an individual's immigration request is accurate.

• Immigration officer, FDNS

  Immigration officers who work for the Office of Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) must identify inaccurate, misleading, or fraudulent information on citizenship, visa, or asylum applications.

  These officials must have a strong command of knowledge regarding all immigration laws and procedures. They often work with other government-related agencies to properly perform their duties.