If you are in the United States, but not a U.S. citizen, you likely have fears of being deported. The best way to avoid deportation and calm your fears is to understand why some people get removed. Many years ago the immigration laws were changed to call deportation removal, but most people still call removal deportation.
Deportation Versus Inadmissibility
Deportation is when you are in the United States, but forced to leave. Inadmissibility is when you are not permitted to enter or reenter the U.S. It’s easier to have your admission blocked than to be deported. In this article, we’re addressing deportation.
Basis for Deportation
Deportations fall into one of these 5 categories.
- Health
- Criminal Behavior
- Immigration Violation
- Stowaway
- Smuggler
Health
If you are a drug user or have a drug addiction, you can be deported. Other health problems will not cause your deportation; however, if you leave the United States and seek to reenter, you may be barred admission and not permitted to reenter the U.S.
If you suffer health problems, be sure to consult with a qualified immigration attorney before you leave the U.S. While you can’t be deported for most health problems, you may be blocked from reentering the U.S. for many contagious diseases.
Criminal Behavior
If you are convicted of certain crimes, you may be deported. These crimes include crimes involving multiple convictions, moral turpitude, violence, controlled substances, aggravated felonies, firearms offenses, domestic crime, and certain miscellaneous crimes.
Immigration Violations
If you are in the United States illegally, you can be deported. This includes entering the U.S. illegally, overstaying your visa, and not departing the U.S. when requested.
Stowaway
If you enter the United States while concealed on a sea vessel, aircraft, or motor vehicle, you can be deported.
Smuggler
If you have been in the U.S. for less than 5 years and have “encouraged, induced, assisted, abetted or aided any other alien to enter or to try to enter the U.S. in violation of law”, you may be deported.
Don’t Lose Sleep, Consult with a Qualified Immigration Attorney
If you are a foreign national living in the United States, it’s normal to have general anxiety over deportation. However, in most cases, a qualified immigration attorney can put your mind at ease and you won’t have to worry about deportation or inadmissibility when you reenter the U.S.
We focus our practice on immigration law and understand the legal intricacies of deportation, inadmissibility, and immigration law. We help people just like you and your loved ones. You can reach us at 513-793-6555 or Thomasjr@geygan.com. We look forward to your call or email.