5 Immigration Law Violations You Need To Know

If you're an immigrant to the US and you wish to be become a citizen, you must abide by the law. If you ever have any questions about how your actions may impact your immigration status, contact an immigration attorney. Only your attorney can give you legal advice. To get you started, here are five immigration violations that can get you in trouble:

1. Not working

If you're in the US on a working or temporary visa, you must be employed to keep your visa. If you are unemployed for any length of time, your visa is revoked and you may be deported. This same rule applies if you're a visitor to the US for any reason other than pleasure. If you're working and you get fired, contact an immigration attorney right away for advice on retaining your status.

2. Not attending school

If you're attending college in the US and have a student visa, it's essential that you remain a student for the length of your visa. Withdrawing from school, not attending, or even getting poor grades can lead to your student visa being revoked. If you're struggling in school or would like to work, contact an attorney who can guide you through the process of getting a different visa.

3. Failure to report new address

If you're an immigrant to the United States and have a visa, you are free to move to a new residence. However, you must report the new address to the Department of Homeland Security within 10 days. If you do not inform DHS of your move within that time period, you may face fines, jail, or even deportation.

4. Divorce

If your citizenship or green card status is based on your marriage to a US citizen, a divorce can put your status at risk. Even if your marriage was not fraudulent, you may be investigated by immigration officials. If you seek a divorce within two years of your marriage to a US citizen, you must prove that your marriage was legitimate. This is a tough process and you shouldn't do this without an attorney.

5. Getting public assistance

Once you have your green card, you may not apply for or receive certain types of public assistance, like SSI or TANF. You may receive other types of benefits, however, including SNAP or medicaid. To be a lawful citizen, the United States expects you to take care of yourself and not be a burden. If you receive certain assistance you may not be eligible for citizenship.

These are five violations of immigration law that can affect your citizenship. For more information or advice, contact an immigration attorney like David Borts Law Office.


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