If you live in Pennsylvania and face deportation, you might wonder why you could be removed from the U.S. Several things can lead to deportation. It is helpful to understand some of the main reasons people are removed and what you should know.
Criminal convictions and removal
One main reason people get deported is because of criminal convictions. If you’re convicted of a crime, especially serious ones like drug crimes, violent crimes, or fraud, you could be at risk of deportation. Even if the crime happened years ago, it can still affect your immigration status. However, not all crimes will lead to deportation, so it’s important to understand how your conviction could impact your case.
Violating immigration laws
Another reason for deportation is breaking U.S. immigration laws. If you stay in the U.S. without the right documents, overstay your visa, or enter the country illegally, it could lead to deportation. Immigration authorities may decide that you’ve broken the rules, which could start removal proceedings. If you’re in this situation, you need to know your rights and what options you have.
Immigration fraud or misrepresentation
If you lie or give false information on your immigration papers or other legal documents, that can lead to deportation. U.S. immigration law takes fraud very seriously. For example, if you used a fake visa to enter the country or lied about something important on your forms, you could face removal.
Violating the terms of your visa or status
If you have a visa or legal status in the U.S. but break the rules, this can lead to deportation. For example, if you have a student visa but stop going to school, or if you have a work visa but take a job you weren’t approved for, you might get removed from the U.S.
What to do next
Knowing the reasons for deportation can help you make better decisions. If you’re facing removal, it’s important to get legal help to understand your rights and options.