Question #5:  I am sure I'm about to be deported. What is the amount of time before I can apply for a visitor visa or a working visa to the USA?

Carl Shusterman: The term "deportation" has a precise meaning under the immigration law.Generally, a person in removal proceedings is eligible for voluntary departure. A person who voluntarily departs the United States may apply for a visa abroad at any time.   However, obtaining a tourist or student visa will be very difficult since an immigration judge has made a finding that you have violated the immigration laws.

On the other hand, some persons are not eligible for voluntary departure, possibly because they have been convicted of a serious crime, or cannot demonstrate that they have good moral character. If an immigration judge orders you deported or removed from the United States, you cannot return to this country for a minimum of 10 years without special permission from the Attorney General.


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