📚 Why Sources Matter
Not all sources are equal. The U.S. legal system has a hierarchy of authority. Understanding this hierarchy helps you verify information and know which sources to trust most. We cite multiple sources so you can verify everything yourself.
Hierarchy of Legal Authority
Higher sources take precedence over lower sources. If a regulation conflicts with a statute, the statute wins. If a policy conflicts with a regulation, the regulation wins.
Primary Law (The Actual Law)
These ARE the law. Statutes passed by Congress and regulations issued by agencies. When in doubt, these sources take precedence over all others.
Government Agencies
Official agencies that implement and interpret immigration law. USCIS is the primary agency for citizenship matters.
Courts (Judicial Interpretation)
Court decisions that interpret the law. Supreme Court decisions are binding nationwide; circuit court decisions are binding in their region.
Research & Oversight
Government watchdogs and research organizations that analyze immigration policy, document problems, and propose solutions.
Secondary Sources
High-quality legal resources and advocacy organizations. Useful for research but always verify critical information with primary sources.
Understanding Legal Citations
8 U.S.C. § 1427Title 8 of U.S. Code, Section 1427 (Naturalization requirements)
8 C.F.R. § 316.2Title 8 of Code of Federal Regulations, Section 316.2
INA § 316Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 316 (same as 8 U.S.C. § 1427)
Matter of Smith, 25 I&N Dec. 123Board of Immigration Appeals decision in Matter of Smith
Our Commitment: CitizenApproved cites multiple authoritative sources throughout this website. We prioritize official government sources and clearly distinguish between primary law and secondary analysis. When in doubt, we link directly to the original source so you can verify information yourself.