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Hello everyone, and welcome! Today, we’re diving into some essential advice for immigrants and new arrivals in the United States. My name is EmdaMakina, and I’m here to help you avoid common pitfalls that could jeopardize your future here. Let’s get straight to it.
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1. The Voting Trap: Know Your Rights
First and foremost, a critical mistake to avoid is voting in U.S. elections if you are not a citizen. This is a non-negotiable rule. Voting is a right reserved exclusively for American citizens. Whether you hold a green card or a non-immigrant visa, participating in U.S. elections can have severe consequences.
- Why it matters: If authorities discover you’ve voted illegally, your green card or citizenship application could be permanently denied.
- The bottom line: Do not participate in any U.S. election unless you are a U.S. citizen.
Given the current immigration landscape in the U.S., I strongly advise against unnecessary international travel, especially if you’re on a non-immigrant visa like a student or visitor visa.
- Why it matters: Past travel bans have shown that countries can be added to restriction lists without warning. If your home country is suddenly banned while you’re abroad, you may be unable to re-enter the U.S.
- Recommendation: Limit travel to essential trips only.
3. Green Card Holders: The One-Year Rule
If you’re a green card holder (permanent resident), whether through the diversity visa lottery, family sponsorship, or asylum, be mindful of the one-year rule.
- The rule: Do not stay outside the U.S. for more than one year at a time. Doing so can be interpreted as abandoning your permanent resident status.
- Consequences: Customs officers at the port of entry may deny you re-entry.
- Exceptions: Legitimate reasons for extended stays, such as serious illness or political instability in your home country, may be considered.
- Crucial Advice: Never sign any documents at the port of entry without fully understanding them. If unsure, request an immigration lawyer. Specifically, be wary of the I-407 form.
4. Stay Law-Abiding: Protecting Your Status
This should be obvious, but it is very important. If you’re on any visa or green card, do not commit crimes.
- Why it matters: Certain crimes, like aggravated felonies or immigration fraud, can lead to deportation or the loss of your green card.
- The message: Maintain a clean record to protect your immigration status.
5. Status Awareness: Know Your Expiration Dates
Pay close attention to the expiration dates of your visas and statuses.
- Green card holders: If you have a conditional green card, file to remove the conditions before it expires.
- Student visa holders: Be aware of your OPT (Optional Practical Training) expiration and plan accordingly.
- Visitor visa holders: Remember that while your visa may be valid for several years, your authorized stay (I-94) is typically limited to a few months.
- Consequences of overstaying: Overstaying your authorized stay can lead to bans on re-entry, with the length of the ban depending on the duration of the overstay. Consult an immigration lawyer for specific cases.
6. Dual Citizenship: A Word of Caution for U.S. Citizens
This is something that is not widely known. If you’re a U.S. citizen with dual citizenship, be cautious when traveling to your other country.
- The issue: Some people will use their other countries passport to avoid visa fees. Then attempt to re-enter the US with their US passport.
- The risk: Customs officers might question your entry if your U.S. passport lacks an entry stamp from your departure country.
- Personal anecdote: A friend of mine almost faced denial of entry because of this, and others have experienced the same.
- Recommendation: When traveling, consider using your U.S. passport for both entry and exit to avoid complications.
Final Thoughts
The current immigration climate requires extra vigilance. Double-check all information with an immigration lawyer and ensure you comply with all regulations. Do not assume anything.
Thank you for reading. I hope this information is helpful. See you in my next post!
