G. Do-it-yourself Legal Research

• Library: Becoming a U.S. Citizen (Nolo) (2021 Ed.)

G. Do-It-Yourself Legal Research

At some point, you might wish to look at the immigration laws yourself. We applaud your interest in the law, but beware! A government spokesperson once called the immigration laws a "mystery, and a mastery of obfuscation." (Spokeswoman Karen Kraushaar, quoted in The Washington Post, April 24, 2001.)

Researching the immigration laws is something even the experts find difficult, so you could be wading into murky waters if you try it on your own. Figuring out local USCIS office procedures and policies can be even more difficult. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't ever look further than this book.

Some research inquiries are quite safe—for instance, if we've cited a section of the law and you want to read the exact language or see whether that section has changed, there's no magic in looking up the law and reading it. But in general, be cautious when researching. If possible, look at several...