Deportation (Removal)
Deportation occurs when the government requires a non‑citizen to leave the U.S. for violating immigration laws. This can happen for reasons such as overstaying a visa, criminal convictions, or being denied certain immigration applications. Recent policies give officials more discretion to deny applications and place applicants into removal proceedings, especially in family‑based cases.
Asylum
Asylum protects people who fear persecution in their home country due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Applicants must prove their fear is credible and meet strict filing and interview requirements. If granted, asylum can eventually lead to a green card.
Family Reunification
Family‑based immigration allows U.S. citizens and permanent residents to sponsor close relatives. This system is designed to keep families together, but petitions must meet eligibility rules and pass background checks. Fraudulent or incomplete applications can lead to denial or even removal proceedings.
Asylum
Asylum protects people who fear persecution in their home country due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. Applicants must prove their fear is credible and meet strict filing and interview requirements. If granted, asylum can eventually lead to a green card.
Marriage‑Based Immigration
A U.S. citizen or permanent resident may sponsor a spouse for a green card. USCIS closely reviews these cases to confirm the marriage is real and not for immigration purposes. Updated guidance focuses heavily on screening for fraud and verifying the legitimacy of relationships.
Green Cards (Permanent Residence)
A green card allows someone to live and work permanently in the U.S. Common paths include:
• Family sponsorship
• Employment
• Asylum or refugee status
• Special immigrant categories
Recent policy changes have tightened rules for marriage‑based and family‑based green card applicants, increasing the risk of denial and potential deportation if the applicant lacks lawful status.
.
Other Important Areas
• Humanitarian visas for victims of crime or trafficking (U and T visas)
• DACA protections for certain invidividuals brought to the U.S. as children
• Temporary visas for work, study, tourism or business
• Citizenship and Naturalization for eligible permanent residents
.