If you’ve been deported from the United States, the last thing you should do is try to reenter illegally. It is against the law for anyone who has been denied admission into the United States, excluded from admission, been removed or been deported from coming back into the country without the appropriate documentation and approvals.
If you are caught entering the United States illegally after being deported, you can be fined, imprisoned for up to two years, or both. Keep in mind that if you were deported due to at least three misdemeanors involving crimes against people, drugs, or both, then you could be sent to prison for up to 10 years. If you were deported on a felony, then you could be imprisoned for up to 10 years as well. Finally, if you were deported because of an aggravated felony, then you could be imprisoned for up to 20 years for returning illegally.
What should you do if you’re deported but want to return to the United States?
If you are deported but would like to return to the country, it is important for you to make a strong case to the U.S. government and to seek an appropriate visa. There may be limitations given to you that state how long you have to wait before reentry. If you would like to have those waived, it would be a good idea to talk to your attorney about methods you can use to do so.
Our website has more information about what to do if you’re accused of an illegal reentry. This is a serious crime, so you should defend yourself.