You can get deported for a wide range of reasons. You may find yourself living with a base level of stress as you constantly think about what you should and should not do, and about how those actions can impact your status.
You don’t need to be stressed about this all the time. You just need to know why deportation tends to happen and what you can do to avoid it. Below are five of the most common reasons to get you started.
Committing a crime
Not every single crime leads to deportation, but you do need to be careful about the actions you take. Due to your status, breaking the law could have vastly larger ramifications for you than for native-born Americans.
Breaking the visa terms
The most common way this happens is when someone overstays their visa. You need to get your visa extended or updated to reflect your current situation. If you’re caught overstaying, you can absolutely be deported.
Moving to a new address without informing the government
You typically get 10 days to tell the government if you move. They must have your most current address on file. Moving itself is fine and won’t change your status, but you cannot keep that move a secret, as they may assume you’re attempting to overstay a visa or otherwise stay in the country illegally.
Getting benefits to which you’re not entitled
American citizens get benefits that green card holders and others are not allowed to use. Always be sure that you only use the proper benefits. This is one of the main reasons people decide to become citizens.
Breaking specific immigration laws
Immigrants have additional laws and regulations to follow, and violating a law can lead to deportation. For instance, you may get a green card if you’re married. If that marriage is a scam just to get the green card, though, the government can deport you when they uncover the scam.
Are you facing deportation issues?
No matter what you’re accused of doing or why you’re being deported, it is absolutely crucial that you know about all of the legal options you have.