Emigrating from another country to Kentucky is challenging for many people. Whether an employer as offered you a job in this state or you plan to build a new life by marrying a U.S. citizen, you’ll need to have all your paperwork in order to navigate this complex process that may take weeks, months or even years.
If at any point the U.S. government suspects you of attempting to obtain a green card through illegal means, your situation will get a lot worse before it gets better. Sometimes, such situations are merely misunderstandings due to clerical errors or other miscommunication. Nevertheless, it’s critical that you know how to protect your rights and seek support if a problem arises.
Buying a green card can land you in a heap of trouble
You’ve likely heard of teenagers or young adults creating or buying fake IDs, perhaps to get into over-21 clubs or purchase liquor under age. Some people do the same thing to non-citizens, offering fake IDs or even green cards to non-citizens for a fee.
Fake green cards are one of the most frequently reported types of immigration fraud throughout the nation. If someone tells you they will sell you a green card or other false documents to help you gain legal status in the U.S., accepting their offer places you at risk for immediate deportation.
If the U.S. government suspects you of possessing false documents, you may wind up facing charges for fraud. If convicted, that would give Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) grounds for your immediate removal from the U.S.
Avoid the scams
Deviating in any way from the prescribed protocol for obtaining a green card can cause you serious legal problems. If someone promises you that he or she can guarantee your green card if you pay money, say no! No one can guarantee your status except U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Legitimate green cards are never for sale.
Government officials are also often on the lookout for people who commit immigration document and green card fraud. If police arrest you or immigration officers accuse you of fraud, there’s no need for you to go it alone. Asking someone well-versed in U.S. immigration law to speak on your behalf may help remedy your situation.
