How to Use the Legal Information Institute for Immigration Law

Immigration law is one of the most complex and rapidly evolving areas of legal practice. Whether you're an attorney, a law student, or someone navigating the immigration system, having access to reliable legal resources is crucial. The Legal Information Institute (LII) at Cornell Law School is a powerful, free tool that provides comprehensive legal information, including statutes, regulations, case law, and expert analyses.

In today’s world, where immigration policies shift frequently due to geopolitical tensions, humanitarian crises, and changing political landscapes, knowing how to leverage LII can make a significant difference in understanding and applying immigration law.

Why the Legal Information Institute Is Essential for Immigration Research

The LII is a trusted resource for legal professionals and the public alike. Unlike paid databases, it offers free access to primary and secondary legal sources, making it invaluable for:

• Self-represented immigrants who cannot afford legal counsel
• Pro bono attorneys assisting underserved communities
• Law students researching immigration policy trends
• Advocates and policymakers analyzing the impact of new laws

Given the current global refugee crisis, heightened border security debates, and the rise of temporary protected status (TPS) designations, having a reliable, up-to-date legal resource is more important than ever.

Navigating the LII for Immigration Law

1. Accessing the U.S. Code and CFR

The U.S. Code (USC) and Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) are the backbone of immigration law. On LII, you can find:

• Title 8 (Aliens and Nationality) – Covers visas, deportation, asylum, and citizenship
• Title 22 (Foreign Relations) – Includes consular processing and visa issuance
• Title 6 (Homeland Security) – Addresses border enforcement and DHS policies

How to search:
- Use the search bar on LII’s homepage and filter by "U.S. Code" or "CFR."
- Browse the table of contents for specific sections (e.g., 8 USC § 1182 for inadmissibility grounds).

2. Finding Case Law and Supreme Court Decisions

Recent landmark cases, such as Department of Homeland Security v. Thuraissigiam (limiting habeas corpus for asylum seekers) or Biden v. Texas (on the Remain in Mexico policy), shape immigration enforcement. LII provides:

• U.S. Supreme Court opinions
• Circuit court decisions (e.g., Ninth Circuit rulings on asylum eligibility)

Pro tip: Use advanced search filters to narrow results by jurisdiction or keyword (e.g., "asylum," "DACA").

3. Exploring Agency Guidance and Executive Actions

Immigration policies often change through executive orders (e.g., Biden’s parole programs) or agency memos (like USCIS policy manuals). LII aggregates:

• Federal Register notices (e.g., proposed rules on H-1B visas)
• Agency interpretations (e.g., BIA precedent decisions)

Example: Search "public charge rule" to track shifts in inadmissibility standards.

Practical Applications: Using LII to Solve Real-World Problems

Scenario 1: Helping an Asylum Seeker

A client from Ukraine seeks asylum due to war-related persecution. Using LII:

1. Check 8 USC § 1158 for asylum eligibility requirements.
2. Review Matter of A-B- (BIA precedent) to understand "particular social group" definitions.
3. Track recent circuit splits on credibility assessments.

Scenario 2: Business Immigration for Tech Workers

An employer sponsors an H-1B worker. On LII:

1. Study 8 CFR § 214.2(h) for H-1B regulations.
2. Compare DOL wage levels in the Federal Register.
3. Monitor litigation over lottery reforms.

Staying Updated: LII’s Tools for Tracking Changes

Immigration law is dynamic. LII helps you stay ahead with:

• RSS feeds for new Supreme Court cases
• Annotations linking statutes to recent judicial interpretations
• "Hot topics" sections (e.g., updates on Title 42 expulsions)

Limitations and Complementary Resources

While LII is robust, pairing it with other tools enhances research:

• USCIS Policy Manual (for agency-specific guidance)
• AILA’s practice advisories (for procedural tips)
• PACER (for unpublished case law)

Final Thoughts

In an era where immigration policies are fiercely debated—from family separations to work visa backlogs—the LII demystifies the law. By mastering its features, you empower yourself to advocate effectively, whether in court, academia, or community outreach.

The next time you face an immigration question, remember: the answers are often just a few clicks away on law.cornell.edu.