If you are an immigrant who has been living undocumented in the United States for a year or more, you may become subject to deportation and a 10-year reentry ban. After this 10-year period, it may be possible to become a legal resident.
As an immigrant wanting to remain in the United States, being deported and banned from the country for 10 years is likely to be the worst-case scenario for you. You may worry about how you will be able to survive financially in your home country, or you may be concerned that you will not be able to provide for your loved ones who will remain in the United States. The following is an overview of the possible outcome of being an undocumented immigrant for more than one year and a possible legal solution.
The consequences of being undocumented
If you lack legal status as an immigrant and you have been in the United States for more than one year, you will be considered “inadmissible.” This means that you will not be able to obtain a visa, adjust immigration status, and you will likely face deportation if you are still in the United States,
Even if you are facing deportation, it is always important to remember that there could be legal solutions that could change your situation. One of the possible routes for illegal immigrants to remain in the United States is thorough the 601 waiver.
What is the 601 waiver?
The 601 waiver means that the normal consequences of being an undocumented immigrant could be overturned, and you may be able to remain in the United States if you are eligible.
The 601 waiver, otherwise known as the extreme hardship waiver, is granted to undocumented immigrants who can show that they or their loved ones would suffer greatly if they were deported. For example, if your home country is in a state of war and you cannot return safely, you may be able to remain in the United States under the 601 waiver.
If you are worried about being deported as an undocumented immigrant, consider taking action so that you have a full understanding of your legal rights, even if you are not currently facing immediate deportation.