Legally living in the United States is a goal for many people, and there are numerous ways to achieve that aim. Some people use family relationships as a way to lawfully enter the country. Others secure visas related to their educational pursuits or employment.
Once someone is legally in the United States thanks to a visa, they will need to carefully comply with all domestic laws and immigration rules. Those who violate the rules could find themselves facing removal from the United States and an uphill battle should they ever wish to return. Immigrants who know the most common reasons for removal from the country can potentially make smarter choices to protect their right to stay in the United States. The following are the most common reasons that people end up removed from the United States after securing lawful permission to enter and live in the country.
Violations of the law
There are many professionals and those with family ties in the United States who cannot remain in the country because of their behavior. Violent criminal offenses, many felonies and crimes of moral turpitude are all criminal offenses that will lead to someone’s removal from the United States. Lower-level crimes that result in multiple years of incarceration could also negatively affect someone’s immigration opportunities. Any criminal conviction can impact someone’s eligibility for a visa, a green card or citizenship.
Paperwork oversights
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) expects that those with visas or green cards will adhere to very specific procedural requirements. They will need to routinely file special paperwork with the USCIS to preserve their eligibility to remain in the country. Those that miss filing deadlines or submit the wrong paperwork could end up removed from the country because of those mistakes.
Changes in employment or family circumstances
Many people enter the United States through employment opportunities or family relationships. Therefore, using a job or getting divorced could potentially impact someone’s legal right to remain in the country. Depending on the circumstances and how they change, there may be a grace period in which someone can file for special consideration by the USCIS or obtain an alternate job offer.
Those who understand the most common reasons that people to end up removed from the United States can avoid making such mistakes themselves and make the most of their immigration opportunities.