5 Common Reasons for Deportation in the U.S

Illegal entry, overstaying visa durations and marriage fraud have recently emerged as leading common reasons for deportation in the U.S.

Violation of immigration laws is regarded a felony in the U.S and treated accordingly, however this is depending on the nature and severity of the violation.

The United States welcomes a high number of immigrants yearly, for this reason strict immigration laws are enforced to promote law and order, and violation to these laws attract penalties one of which is deportation.

5 Common Reasons for Deportation in the U.S

Below are common reasons for deportation in the U.S:

1. Immigration fraud and misrepresentation

This is the intentional act of providing false or misleading information to immigration authorities in order to obtain an immigration benefit. This can include lying on immigration applications, providing forged or altered documents, or using false identities.

Common forms of immigration fraud and misrepresentation include:

• Identity fraud
• Marriage fraud
• Employment fraud
• Asylum fraud
• Investment visa fraud

According to a 2023 report by the Government Accountability Office, I.C.E arrested over 1,800 individuals for immigration fraud in 2022, representing a 10% increase from 2021.

2. Visa Violation

One of the most common reasons immigrants in the U.S face deportation is visa violation. The U.S visa system is intricate, with various categories and conditions governing entry and stay. When immigrants fail to adhere to the terms of their visa, they can find themselves entangled in deportation proceedings.

Here are some key aspects of visa violations that can cause deportation:

• Overstaying Visa Duration
• Unauthorized Employment
• Failure to Maintain Student Status
• Violating Specific Visa Conditions

3. Illegal entry into the U.S

Illegal entry into the United States ranks among the most common reasons for deportation in the U.S. Given the various methods individuals use to enter the country unlawfully, an estimated 1.5 million people face deportation annually from the U.S, with a considerable portion attributed to illegal entry.

In 2022, the Department of Homeland Security (D.H.S) apprehended over 2 million individuals in the U.S -Mexico border area of Arizona and approximately 40% were previously deported from the United States.

Rather than entering the U.S illegally, try assessing various legal pathways of entry into the U.S. One of such is the H-1B visa pathway, if you’re skilled in one way or the other this is a good pathway to consider.

4. Threat to Public Safety

Deportation on grounds of being a threat to public safety is a complex and highly discretionary facet of U.S immigration policy. It involves the removal of immigrants who are deemed to pose a risk to the well-being of the American populace, even in cases where they may not have committed a specific crime.

It’s important to note that the determination of what constitutes a “threat to public safety” is subjective and varies depending on individual cases. Factors considered may include national security concerns, gang affiliations, etc.

5. Engaging in criminal activities

Involvement in criminal activities is one of many common reasons for deportation in the U.S. It is a cornerstone of U.S. immigration enforcement. This stringent category is vital for protecting citizens’ lives and property, enhancing public safety, and upholding the rule of law.

Below are five criminal activities that will most likely get you deported:

• Aggravated Felonies
• Crimes of Moral Turpitude
• Drug Offenses
• Firearms Offenses
• Domestic Violence

Penalties U.S Deportees May Suffer

Deportation timelines can vary, but it’s a common experience for individuals to be banned for a period of five to twenty years. Those facing a 20-year ban are typically individuals who were deported for committing aggravated felonies, such as drug trafficking, child abuse, or rape.

In some cases, individuals may face a permanent ban from reentering the US for these crimes or if they’ve been deported twice.

Additionally, those who were deported for using falsified documents to enter the US or who fail to appear at their scheduled immigration hearing may face a five-year ban.