Inadmissibility Grounds

Health-Related Grounds of Inadmissibility

Non-citizens are inadmissible to enter the U.S if they meet one of the following:

• An infectious disease that is dangerous to public health. Examples of such diseases include leprosy, gonorrhea, syphilis, and tuberculosis.

• They fail to show proof of required vaccinations.

• They are drug addicts or abuse drugs under the Controlled Substances Act. They must undergo immigration assessments with a civil surgeon confirming their remission.

• They have a mental health disorder that is harmful to others.

Criminal and Related Grounds of Inadmissibility

The grounds for inadmissibility as a result of criminal reasons under INA 212(a)(2) include:

• A crime involving moral turpitude

• Violators of controlled substance law

• Those with multiple criminal convictions except purely political offenses

• Controlled substance traffickers and those who obtained any financial or other benefit from trafficking

• Individuals engaged in prostitution within ten years of their visa application;

• Non-citizens involved in unlawful commercialized vice

• Those engaged in serious criminal activity and are granted immunity from prosecution

• Individuals who commit human trafficking offenses in or outside the US

• Foreign government officials that committed particularly severe violations of religious freedom

• Individuals engaged in money laundering activities

National Security Grounds of Inadmissibility

In the realm of immigration law, national security is a paramount concern, and there are specific grounds for inadmissibility related to safeguarding the nation’s security interests. These grounds include:

• Individuals seeking entry to engage in espionage or overthrow the government

• Individuals involved in terrorist activities or with terrorist organizations

• Individuals participating in Nazi persecution or genocide

• Individuals whose entry presents adverse foreign policy consequences

Inadmissibility Resulting From the Likelihood of Becoming a Public Charge

A public charge is an individual likely to become dependent on the government. The USCIS will analyze the totality of their circumstances before making a decision. The public charge rule does not apply to individuals with a green card.

Factors considered in assessing this likelihood include the person’s age, health, family status, assets, education, and skills. The purpose of this provision is to ensure that immigrants are self-sufficient and do not place an undue burden on public resources.

Inadmissibility Resulting From a Lack of Labor Certification

Certain immigrants who wish to work in the United States may be deemed inadmissible unless they obtain a certificate from the Secretary of Labor, which grants them admissibility. This requirement is often associated with employment-based immigration categories, such as the H-1B visa program or other temporary worker programs.

The certificate must state that their employment will not affect U.S. employees’ wages and working conditions in similar roles. It should also state that not enough qualified US. workers are willing and able to do the work.

Inadmissibility Resulting From Fraud or Misrepresentation

Individuals seeking to enter the US with fraudulent documents are inadmissible. It extends to non-citizens who misrepresent material facts when applying for a visa.

The misrepresentation of facts for immigration benefits can lead to other serious consequences. Fraud waivers are not easy to obtain and require evidence of extreme hardship.

Inadmissibility Resulting From Removal Proceedings or Unlawful Presence

Individuals who are subject to this ground of inadmissibility include:

• Those barred from returning to the US due to overstaying their visa

• Those barred from returning due to previous immigration violations or removal proceedings

• Those who were unlawfully present in the US for one year and then illegally reentered

A non-citizen may be deported from the US if they violate immigration laws. The deportation means a bar from future entry into the US.

An Atlanta deportation lawyer can represent you at immigration hearings and prevent deportation.

Miscellaneous Grounds of Inadmissibility

Other grounds for which an individual is inadmissible include:

• Failing to attend a removal hearing

• Abusing a student visa

• Renouncing US citizenship because of taxation

• Smuggling

• Voting unlawfully

• Abducting children

• Practicing polygamy

How Does Inadmissibility Affect a Green Card Application?

After filing a green card application, immigration officers conduct checks to confirm admissibility. A non-citizen who is found inadmissible will be denied a green card. Nevertheless, proving their eligibility for a waiver will increase their chances.

Additionally, inadmissible non-citizens with US-citizen relatives have a better chance of getting green cards.

Overcoming the Grounds of Inadmissibility

Non-citizens who are inadmissible under certain grounds may apply for a waiver. But, they must meet the requirements of the waiver to be eligible.

A waiver is available for certain grounds of inadmissibility, such as:

• Waivers of inadmissibility for non-citizens applying for a nonimmigrant visa – INA 212(d)(3)
• Waiver of inadmissibility for health-related grounds – INA 212(a)(1)
• Waiver of inadmissibility for fraud and misrepresentation – INA 212(i)
• Humanitarian waiver – INA 237(a)(1)(h)
• Waiver to prevent deportation after a criminal conviction – INA 212(c)
• Waiver of inadmissibility for criminal acts – INA 212(h)
• An unlawful presence waiver
• National interest waiver

Individuals may apply for waivers using Form I-601, Form I-601A, or Form I-212. Further, immigration law may provide exceptions for non-citizens making green card applications.

An Atlanta immigration appeals lawyer can advise you on the waivers that apply to your circumstances.

Why Should You Contact an Experienced Immigration Attorney?

You may qualify for a visa that allows you to come to the US, but certain grounds may prevent you from getting the visa.

Filing a visa application when you are inadmissible is frustrating. It is more challenging when you are unsure of your eligibility for certain waivers.

At Manji Law, P.C., our Atlanta deportation lawyer will analyze the grounds that apply to your case. We can also provide you with the strategies to overcome them.

We can assist you with waiver requirements and discuss your immigration status consequences. Also, we will prepare all of the paperwork and ensure that applications follow the Guide to I-601a.

For more information about grounds of inadmissibility, contact us today. Our firm will represent you and fight to give you the desired result.