Do you know the United States is the home of more than 45 million immigrants? In the States, immigration is a complex and often emotional topic. Although the country has a rich history of welcoming immigrants from around the world, the legal process for getting a visa and citizenship is quite strict. Unfortunately, some individuals resort to visa fraud and other immigration crimes in their pursuit of a better life. Texas, with its enormous immigration population, is no stranger to such offense. Although immigration bonds in Texas help offenders get out of ICE custody before their trial, it’s always better to understand the legal consequences of different immigration crimes to stay on the right side of the law.

Source: https://www.migrationpolicy.org/article/frequently-requested-statistics-immigrants-and-immigration-united-states.

Wondering what are the common immigration crimes in Texas? Here you go! 

Visa Fraud

Visa fraud is one of the most prevalent immigration crimes in Texas. It involves providing false information or using fraudulent documents to obtain a visa or other immigration benefits. This may include misrepresenting one's identity, marital status, employment, or any other information required in the visa application process, and the crime can have severe consequences, including deportation, fines, and imprisonment.

Marriage Fraud

Another common immigration crime in Texas is marriage fraud. This occurs when a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident marries a foreign national solely to help them gain legal immigration status. Marriage fraud is a serious offense and can result in the revocation of both individuals' immigration benefits, deportation, and criminal charges. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) takes this crime very seriously and investigates suspected cases thoroughly.

Human Trafficking and Smuggling

Human trafficking and smuggling are grave immigration crimes that can lead to severe penalties. Human trafficking involves coercing or forcing individuals into labor or commercial sexual exploitation. In the context of immigration, traffickers may promise victims safe passage to the United States and then exploit them upon arrival. Smuggling, on the other hand, involves assisting unauthorized immigrants in crossing the border. Both crimes are felonies and carry significant prison sentences, in addition to asset forfeiture.

False Asylum Claims

Asylum is a humanitarian protection granted to individuals who face persecution or danger in their home countries. Some individuals attempt to exploit this system by making false asylum claims in hopes of gaining legal status in the United States. Texas, with its proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border, has seen an increase in such cases.

Overstaying Visas

Overstaying a visa is a common immigration violation in Texas and across the United States. When an individual remains in the country after their visa has expired, they become undocumented immigrants, and this can lead to deportation, as well as bars on reentry into the United States for several years.

Unlawful Entry

Unauthorized border crossings are another prevalent immigration crime in Texas, primarily due to its border with Mexico. Unlawful entry into the United States is a misdemeanor for the first offense and can lead to imprisonment, fines, and deportation.

Document Fraud

Document fraud is a wide-ranging immigration crime that encompasses a variety of offenses, such as using counterfeit passports, driver's licenses, or Social Security cards to gain employment or other benefits.

Charged for an immigration crime and looking for immigration bonds in Texas? Contact the licensed bail bond agents at Amistad Bail and Immigration Bonds today for any queries about immigration bonds in Houston Texas or for an estimate.