Have Questions Regarding Deportation? Give Us a Call!

Pretending to be a U.S. citizen can have serious consequences, and it’s only a matter of time before you get caught. If this is your first time in the U.S. and you’re not well-versed in American laws, this might be an honest mistake. However, non-citizens who are aware of the risks face getting their naturalization application revoked and referred to immigration court for removal.

Falsely claiming citizenship is a serious crime that doesn’t get taken lightly. Non-citizens that get deported under these conditions might not be able to return to the United States. Moreover, there are no waivers to stall the proceedings nor relief for non-citizens who lied for government benefits.

If you’re facing the legal repercussions of falsely claiming citizenship, reach out to our law offices of immigration in Los Angeles immediately.

Deportable Offenses to Avoid

The government considers the following circumstances as false claims of citizenship:

• Claiming you are a citizen to receive benefits
• Trying to obtain a U.S. passport
• Registering to vote in local, state, or federal elections (strictly prohibited for non-citizens)
• Stating you are a citizen on any forms, like an I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification document
• Applying for student loans as a non-citizen

An immigration lawyer for removal proceedings would advise you to be wary of making any of the choices listed.

Why Falsely Claiming Citizenship By Registering To Vote Is A Terrible Idea

Falsely claiming citizenship is a common mistake most non-citizens make when applying for a driver’s license or identification card. Per the Motor Vehicle Act of 1993, everyone receives an opportunity to register and vote when they apply or renew their license at the Department of Motor Vehicles.

If employees fail to ask for proof of citizenship and you accidentally register to vote, you certify that you are a citizen from signing the application. Without legal help from an immigration attorney in LA, an Immigration Judge can argue you were aware of the “fine print” on the form. Voluntarily checking off a box indicating you are a citizen will not help your case either.

If you were misinformed, address this with your legal counsel. Sometimes, staff might provide you with incorrect information. Before submitting any applications, bring this to your attorney’s attention.

Check The Wrong Box on An Employment Form

Your employer will ask you to complete an I-9 Form to verify your citizenship. As a non-citizen, you’re not authorized to check off that you’re a citizen to obtain work.

Student Loans, Passport, Government Forms

Federal loans, including state and private loans, are not available to non-citizens. Before applying for financial aid, you must establish whether you’re a citizen. Applying for loans under pretenses is a deportable crime and could result in criminal charges of fraud and theft. Most applicants give an alias, fake date of birth, and social security number.

It is just as common for other government applications, such as getting a passport or applying for nongovernment benefits. Suppose you apply to adjust your status. An immigration officer will ask if you’ve made a false claim during your interview. A lawyer for deportation in LA would advise you to be honest but consult with us first, as this is a significant component of the naturalization process.

Exceptions To False Claims

There are three exceptions to deportation for false claims. The first is under The Child Citizenship Act of 2000. Congress enforced an exception for children who made false claims if:

• Parents were U.S. citizens (naturalized or birth citizens)
• Made a false claim younger than 18 years old
• The child was an LPR before age 16
• Someone led the child to believe they were U.S. citizens

The second exception is if the false claim occurred before September 30, 1996. It was the date the “false claims ground of inadmissibility” went into effect.

The third allows immigrants that overstayed their visa to retract any false claims before the lie gets exposed, which is known as a “timely retraction.” They might still get deported for other motives.

If you’re facing legal trouble and need immigration help, schedule a consultation with our deportation defense attorney in Los Angeles.

About Grey Law Immigration

At Grey Immigration, the values of integrity, honesty, commitment, and results are at the foundation of our firm. David Grey provides experienced representation to safeguard your rights through the immigration process, whether it is advice, assistance with visa applications, or resolving an issue that is stalling your citizenship! For a free case review, give us a call at 323-622-1764 or email info@greylaw.com.