If You are in the United States Illegally, You Need Experienced Representation
If you are in the United States as an illegal immigrant, you are not alone. By some estimates there are well over ten million illegal immigrants in the United States. This is due in part to the current limited scope of checks on illegal immigration, which is currently at the center of the debate on immigration reform.
However, USCIS and the Department of Homeland Security take a hard-line stance against illegal immigration, and Utah's immigration laws are being used to help federal officials identify illegal aliens. As a result, as an illegal immigrant in Utah, you are under constant threat of removal (deportation) from the United States.
Unlawful Presence in the United States
If you are not an American citizen and you are in the United States without a valid visa or green card (including on an expired temporary or conditional visa), your presence is unlawful and you are subject to being deported. While you may or may not care about the short-term consequences of deportation, the long-term consequences can be severe – and they get more severe the longer you maintain your unlawful presence in the United States.
Consequences of Illegal Immigration
As an illegal immigrant, not only are you subject to being deported, but you are also very likely to be barred from re-entering the United States for a significant period of time:
- Unlawful presence of up to one year: 3-year ban on re-entry to the United States
- Unlawful presence of more than one year: Up to a 10-year ban on re-entry to the United States
While you may have options at home now if you are deported, what impact will a ban on living and working in the United States have on you in the future? What about your family?
Options for Illegal Immigrants
Fortunately, the U.S. immigration system gives illegal immigrants options for obtaining lawful presence in the United States. For example, you may qualify for asylum or an unlawful presence waiver. Or, if you are currently facing deportation, you may be able to seek cancellation of removal. Your best bet is to contact an experienced Utah immigration attorney who can assess your options and help you obtain (or regain) lawful presence in the United States. At Keen Law Offices, LLC, this is what we do.
Contact a Utah Immigration and Criminal Defense Lawyer Today
If you are (or think you may be) in the United States illegally, contact one of the immigration lawyers at Keen Law Offices, LLC immediately before you talk to immigration officials. You have options, and we can help you make the right move. Call (801) 899-6385 or contact Keen Law Offices, LLC online.