The immigration policy of the country is changing daily due to the presidency of Donald Trump. As a result, many foreigners coming to the country with the hope to stay here forever face unknown issues that seem to be unsolvable. Furthermore, there are some actions that may lead to a complete destruction of your US immigration case in the Department. If you want to become a US citizen, you must be extremely careful about what you do and say while staying in the country. In this article you will find 10 basics about moving to the United States of America and staying here forever.
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Expiration dates
These are your worst enemies so keep them as close as possible. There are two main dates you must watch out for according to the US immigration, namely the expiration date written on your I-94 (I-94W) and the expiration date of the visa. Yet, remember that I-94 trumps the visa. This means that if your visa is still valid, but you exceeded expiration date on your I-94 form, then you risk getting deported.
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Overstays
Overstay is one of the most common sins of all immigrants and tourists to the US. If you’re planning to stay in the country forever, then you have to clearly understand that any overstay (even for one single day) can and usually will get you banned from re-entering the US for a 3 to 10 years period. Should you know that you will overstay your allowed period or that you have already done it, make sure that you contact US immigration lawyers to deal with the problem right away to avoid the re-entering bar.
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Permanent bar “9C”
Should you overstay in the country for over a year period and then try re-entering without proper inspection (EWI), be ready that you will get permanently barred from re-entering the USA. If you get deported and then re-enter the country without inspection, you will also get the dreaded “9C”. The worst thing about the permanent “9C” bar is that you cannot legally file a waiver for it for 10 years.
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Drug use
When planning to start a US immigration process, don’t use drugs in the country at all because permissions vary from state to state. It’s better to avoid any contact with illegal substances. In case you have a medical exam and you admit that you used drugs less than a year ago, be ready that you might be found inadmissible to the US for one year. This period starts from the date of your last drug use.
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Selective service
Regardless whether you are a citizen or an immigrant, if you are male between 18 and 25, then you must register for the draft at Selective Service. Forgetting to do so will definitely lead to the ban on your immigration documents. The only exception is where the male is invalid or has a non-immigrant status, such as on a student visa. Failure to register before the 26th birthday can have adverse consequences when he applies for citizenship through naturalization.
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Criminal convictions
Sometimes US immigration lawyers don’t take into account criminal defense of an immigrant when they advise how to resolve an occurring criminal matter. Yet, you need to know that some kinds of convictions will get you deported and/or found to be inadmissible. In order to avoid such a situation, we advise consulting several immigration lawyers to receive independent opinions on your case. In some situations, you can avoid inadmissible status by pleading to a different type of charge. Should you have a debatable situation, contact an immigration lawyer in your area by clicking on the button below.
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Voting
Remember that only US citizens have the right to vote in federal elections. If you vote in a federal election while you are still not a citizen, be ready that it will become an obstacle to becoming one eventually. Professional attorneys advise not even trying to register for voting because even the thought of doing so can get you into trouble.
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False claim to US citizenship
Many immigrants claim to be US citizens to receive government benefits and allowances. Never do such a stupid thing! If the government finds out you have no rights for receiving the benefits, you will be permanently barred from entering the country. And keep in mind that there is no waiver in the US immigration for this kind of bar.
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Spouses of US citizens
Don’t get caught in the myth that if you marry an American citizen you will automatically receive the right to live and work in the US. It is true that you will receive preferential treatment at some stages of US immigration. However, if you make any of the above-mentioned mistakes, your American spouse won’t be able to help you in any way.
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US Immigration is always watching you
Even though it sounds like a phrase from George Orwell’s 1984, the reality is so. You are constantly being watched by the government. For this reason, US immigration lawyers advise being honest when applying for immigration benefits, for instance. Whatever you will try to hide from the immigration office, they will find it one way or another. There is no reason to fight it because even a little white lie can lead to charges of misrepresentation later on. Don’t make stupid mistakes and be truthful with your US immigration officer.
And one last thing from us to help you deal with the immigration in the United States. Always get a US immigration attorney for any case you plan to have. A lot of foreigners believe that they can save money by doing everything on their own, but the reality is that you won’t. You don’t know all the hidden rocks of the US immigration policy and risk doing something that will cost you a lot. Don’t try to save a penny now by spending a dollar tomorrow. Hire a professional US immigration lawyer or at least go to a free legal consultation before you file any papers to the government.
Disclaimer: This article should not be considered as legal advice. It is provided for general information purposes only.
