Common Reasons Why Non-Citizens are Deported Back to their Homelands

Deportation is perhaps the most perplexing problem that an immigrant can face when living in a foreign country. Non-citizens can be removed from a country when they no longer have the authorization to remain there. Many reasons an immigrant is deported back to their homeland include an expired visa, illegal entry, or other violations against the law.

People often ask, can a green card holder be deported? The answer is yes. Like all citizens, non-citizens and even green card holders must follow U.S. laws. The U.S. government has the complete right to deport non-citizens. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will be responsible for starting proceedings if an individual is in the country without authorization or violates United States laws and regulations.

Here are some top reasons why non-citizens are deported back to their homelands.

Deportation for Crimes

One of the top reasons a non-citizen is deported back to his or her home country is the involvement in a crime. If you are out of status, temporary status, or a permanent citizen and somehow related to a crime, you could be deported by the U.S. government. While not all crimes are grounds for deportation, those relating to drugs, human trafficking, firearms offenses, rape, and murder can be the basis for deportation. Moreover, if you have received a prison sentence of at least a year following a conviction of a crime like theft and fraud could be considered an aggravated felony for immigration purposes.

Deportation for Immigration Violations

Someone who has been found violating immigration laws may get deported to their homeland. If an individual participates in a fraudulent marriage or is found helping smuggle another person to enter the U.S. illegally, they could get deported. The Legal Permanent Resident is required to obey all laws of the United States. Remaining outside the United States for more than a year may result in abandoning the permanent resident status.  Being a permanent resident is a privilege, not a right. The U.S. government can take away your permanent resident status under certain conditions. You must maintain your permanent resident status to live and work in the United States and become a citizen one day.

Deportation for Marriage Fraud

A way to obtain permanent residence is through marriage to a U.S. Citizen or a Legal Permanent Resident. To be a valid marriage under U.S. law, the couple must intend to live in a real marital relationship.  A sham marriage is entered into to evade U.S. Immigration Laws.  Marriage fraud is a federal crime, and the U.S. citizen or the Legal Permanent Resident and the non-citizen will face prosecution. The non-citizen could be convicted of marriage fraud (pay a fine or serve in jail or both), his or her visa will be revoked and, upon release, will be deported back to the home country.  Also, restrictions will be imposed on their further eligibility for getting a U.S. visa or green card. The U.S. citizen or permanent resident depending on his or her involvement will face criminal charges, a legal permanent resident could also be deported.

Takeaway

Being in the United as a non-citizen and not following the country’s laws can cause severe complexities. If you are concerned about what to do and what not to do, you can freely seek information from immigration lawyers. They help you to avoid mistakes that could lead to deportation.