Can You Get Deported if Married to a US Citizen?

So, you’ve tied the knot with your sweetheart, and now you’re living your best life in the United States with a green card in hand. But what happens if things go south? Can you actually get deported if you are married to a U.S. Citizen?

A green card (officially known as a Permanent Resident Card) allows you to live and work in the U.S. permanently. If you got your green card through marriage, it typically falls under the family-based category. This means your U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse sponsored you. Sweet deal, right? But it’s not all smooth sailing—there are some rules you need to follow to keep that green card secure.

If your marriage is less than two years old when you get your green card, you’ll receive a conditional green card. This card is valid for two years, and before it expires, you must file a joint petition (Form I-751) with your spouse to remove the conditions. If you don’t, you risk losing your permanent resident status and facing deportation. Immigrants who find themselves separated from their spouse at the time that they need to file the I-751 will have to speak to an attorney to know the best way to move forward with their case. 

Here are some other ways that you may face deportation as a spouse of a U.S citizen: 

1. Marriage Fraud: If the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) suspects that your marriage was solely for immigration benefits, they can investigate. If they find evidence of fraud, your green card can be revoked, and you could be deported. Yes, USCIS can take away your green card even after they approve it! 

2. Criminal Activity: Committing certain crimes can jeopardize your green card status.

3. Misrepresentation: Providing false information on your green card application or during your interview can be grounds for deportation.

   
   

If you’re facing potential deportation, it’s crucial to seek legal advice immediately. An experienced immigration attorney can help you navigate the complexities of immigration law and potentially prevent deportation.

Patricia Elizee is the managing partner of the Elizee Law Firm, an immigration law firm located at 1110 Brickell Avenue, Suite 315, Miami, Florida 33131. Phone: 305-371-8846. The law firm was established in 2012. Ms. Elizee earned her Juris Doctorate at the University of Miami School of Law and her Masters in Law from the University of Washington School of Law.