According to a piece in The New York Times, consular officials have been handed down new guidelines from the State Department that will make it easier to deny entry to visitors coming to the United States. These new rules will also make it easier for officials to kick out those already in the country.
Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson issued new orders for visitors who require a visa before they can be admitted into the country. The new rules state that these visitors must take steps to complete their stated plans for at least three months. If they do something other than what they told consular officials during their interview, it will be considered a deliberate lie. This means that if a visitor with a visa marries an American citizen or gets a job without disclosing their plans in the interview, they can be kicked out of the country.
These new changes will complicate visa renewals and status changes for those accused of violating the new rules. Tillerson’s new directive will also make many visitors eligible for deportation.
Speaking about how these changes will impact visitors, Diane Rish, the associate director of government relations at the American Immigration Lawyers Association, said, “If someone comes to the U.S. as a tourist, falls in love and gets married within 90 days and then applies for a green card, this means the application would be denied. This is a significant policy change.”
Speak to an Immigration Lawyer in Houston
At Fong • Ilagan, we have a team of immigration lawyers who are dedicated to helping clients throughout Texas with their immigration cases. Our firm is backed by decades of experience, and we are prepared to guide you through every step of the legal process to make sure your rights are fully protected. If you are seeking employment-based immigration, citizenship, business-based immigration, or any other immigration matter, our lawyers have the skills and resources needed to handle your case. Let us get to work for you today.
Call (713) 772-2300 to schedule a consultation with a Houston immigration attorney.