Deportation (removal) is when the government forces a person to leave the country. This could be because the person broke the law. A person is inadmissible or deportable when they have done something that could lead to deportation.

You should talk to an immigration lawyer:

• Before applying for a visa or green card, or
• If you think you could be inadmissible or deportable.

This area of law is complicated and mistakes can be serious.

Inadmissible immigrants 

If inadmissible, they would not be allowed to enter the U.S. if they try to enter. A person may be inadmissible even if they are already in the U.S. 

Deportable immigrants 

A deportable person came into the U.S. after inspection at the border and then had problems in the U.S. These problems can include criminal convictions or using fake documents.

What makes you inadmissible or deportable?

Some common grounds of both are:

• Criminal convictions,
• Prior deportation or removal
• Being in the U.S. without lawful status
• Voting, if you are not a U.S. citizen
• Falsely saying that you are a U.S. citizen
• Terrorism

Note: Using marijuana or cannabis is illegal at the federal level. This is true even though it is legal in the state of Illinois.

What happens if I am?

When you apply for a visa, green card, or citizenship, you will be fingerprinted. The government will use these to do a background check. If they find out that you are inadmissible or deportable, you may be deported.

Some people may be able to apply for a waiver of inadmissibility. These waivers are complex and require many documents. You should speak with an attorney before applying for a waiver.

To learn more, watch this video on Going to a removal hearing in immigration court.