U.S. immigration laws contain many different rules and regulations, especially regarding the reasons behind deportation, or removal, from the country. There are several reasons why U.S. immigration authorities decide to deport an immigrant. If you or someone you know is a U.S. immigrant, it is crucial to know the reasons behind deportation, so you can avoid unknowingly being removed from the country.
What Are the Different Reasons for Deportation?
- Not obeying your visa terms or maintaining your visa status. If you are living in the U.S. as a nonimmigrant with a visa, there are many different conditions that apply to your stay. If you are a tourist, for example, you are not allowed to work. Know the specific terms of your visa, whether it’s a work visa, tourist visa or green card, in order to avoid removal.
- Not informing USCIS of a change of address. It is actually a crime for immigrants not to provide immediate notification to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of address changes. There is a very small time period that you have, so use the Online Change of Address form on the USCIS website as soon you know of your new address.
- Committing a crime. Many crimes (not all) can result in your deportation from the country as an immigrant. Understand that if you are convicted of a crime, the immigration authorities will make their own decision on how the crime is classified for immigration law purposes, regardless of what the crime was labeled as in your state.
- Violating any immigration laws. Examples of these violations include a fraudulent marriage, smuggling drugs or other foreign aliens into the country.
- Receiving public assistance. If you have a green card, you must prove after five years that you are not a “public charge,” as in that you are not receiving need-based government assistance.
If you fear that you are at the risk of deportation, it is vital that you contact an immigration attorney immediately. Immigration laws can get confusing, so having an experienced and knowledgeable lawyer at your side can help your case against USCIS. Contact the Law Offices of Sweta Khandelwal today for a consultation.
