You wake up each morning wondering if today will be the day Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents knock on your door. Your spouse is a U.S. citizen, but you still don’t have your green card. This worry follows you everywhere. You need to know what puts you at risk so you can keep yourself and your family safe.
Marriage does not always equal immunity
Many people think marriage to a U.S. citizen keeps them safe from deportation. This isn’t true. ICE can still send you back to your home country in certain situations. Being married alone doesn’t give you legal status or protection. But knowing the risks helps you take the right steps.
Four common deportation triggers
What can lead to deportation even when you’re married to a citizen? ICE looks at four main problems that can get you deported such as:
- Unlawful entry: You crossed the border without going through an official checkpoint, making it very hard to get your green card without special permission.
- Criminal records: Certain crimes can get you deported no matter who you’re married to.
- Visa violations: You stayed longer than your visa allowed or worked without permission to work.
- Marriage fraud: Immigration officials think you got married only to get a green card, not for love.
These issues are serious, but your marriage can still help you.
How marriage can help you
If you came to the U.S. the legal way through an official entry point, you can apply for a green card right away through your spouse. This lets you become a legal permanent resident. Knowing if you qualify is the first step to ending your daily worry.
Get legal help
You don’t have to face this alone or live in fear every day. Whether ICE has already contacted you or you want to apply for your green card, an immigration lawyer can help. They can defend you against deportation and help you get your green card. Getting legal help gives you the best chance to stay with your family and build the safe future you want.