The United States is a nation built by immigrants, and many people dream of becoming U.S. citizens. However, for those who have a history of multiple illegal entries or deportations, the path to U.S. citizenship can be challenging. If you are in such a situation and have a spouse who is a U.S. citizen, you might wonder if your spouse can petition for your U.S. citizenship. Let’s dive into the possibility of you obtaining your new legal status.
One of the key points to understand is that the U.S. immigration system places great importance on legal entries and compliance with immigration laws. When individuals have a history of multiple illegal entries into the country, their chances of gaining lawful status become significantly more challenging.
The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) outlines the rules and regulations governing immigration in the United States. While there are provisions for waivers and forgiveness of certain immigration violations, the INA is strict when it comes to multiple illegal entries.
The INA provides for the possibility of a waiver that forgives one illegal entry, but this waiver is not available for individuals with a history of multiple illegal entries. In other words, if you have more than one illegal entry on your record, the INA generally does not offer a waiver to forgive those entries. This can be a significant obstacle when seeking legal status or U.S. citizenship.
In the context of marriage to a U.S. citizen, the U.S. citizen spouse can petition for their spouse to become a lawful permanent resident (green card holder). This is often seen as a crucial step towards U.S. citizenship. However, having a U.S. citizen spouse does not automatically overcome the obstacle of having multiple illegal entries.
When individuals with multiple illegal entries apply to become U.S. citizens through marriage to a U.S. citizen, the likelihood of success is generally low, often less than 50%. The history of illegal entries and deportations can be a significant barrier to obtaining legal status or U.S. citizenship.
If you find yourself in this challenging situation, it is crucial to seek legal counsel. An experienced immigration attorney can assess your specific circumstances, identify potential options, and advise you on the best course of action. While the path to U.S. citizenship may be difficult, legal guidance is essential for exploring all available avenues.
While the dream of U.S. citizenship is a powerful motivator, individuals with a history of multiple illegal entries and deportations face substantial hurdles. The INA generally does not provide waivers for multiple illegal entries, making the likelihood of success in seeking U.S. citizenship through marriage to a U.S. citizen complicated. An experienced attorney is essential for navigating this complex immigration landscape and exploring all possible options as they can provide you with valuable guidance and are up to date with new immigration laws to help you on your journey.
