Ground of Inadmissibility

What Are Grounds of Inadmissibility?

Grounds of inadmissibility are a set of conditions as defined by US immigration law that makes a potential immigrant or traveler to the US unable to enter the United States. People with a valid visa may still not be able to enter the United States if they meet any of the grounds of inadmissibility. Similarly, permanent residents (also known as green card holders) may be declared inadmissible and may face immigration consequences. A Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) officer has the power to deny someone from being able to enter the United States.

If you or a loved one have been found to meet grounds of inadmissibility, there can be serious consequences. Contact our experienced immigration lawyers for an initial consultation.

What Makes Someone Qualify for Grounds of Inadmissibility?

There are many different grounds of inadmissibility conditions that can prevent someone from entering the United States. Anyone who meets any of the following criteria may be denied entry to the United States:

What Can Happen If You are Inadmissible?

Those who are inadmissible can be detained by immigration law enforcement officials. Immigration law enforcement may also temporarily hold people who qualify for grounds of inadmissibility until a return flight can be arranged. If a potential traveler or immigrant to the US is found to meet grounds of inadmissibility, their visa may be canceled.

If you or a loved one are inadmissible, you can also be denied a green card application. It is very important to assess your admissibility before you apply. This may allow you to craft an application that addresses potential grounds of inadmissibility and overcome them where possible. If USCIS has already sent you a Request for Evidence related to inadmissibility, you may benefit from a consultation with an attorney. If you think you may be subject to a finding of inadmissibility but you have not yet applied, I can help you assess the best strategy in your case.

When officers can’t determine if an immigrant or traveler should be allowed in the U.S., the person coming to the US may need to go to the nearest US immigration processing office for further investigation.

With a valid visa, someone immigrating or visiting the US may apply to be allowed to enter the US. With a valid visa, the person who is trying to enter the US can ask for a hearing in an immigration court. In this immigration court hearing, an immigration judge can make a decision whether the person trying to enter the US should be allowed to enter the country.

However, CBP officers have the final decision in cases where:

• The person trying to enter the US has come to the US on a Visa Waiver Program
• The person trying to enter the US has misrepresented, lied or committed fraud to claim US citizenship
• The person trying to enter the US doesn’t have a valid immigrant visa

Learn more about how we may be able to help if a visa is denied.

Can You Get A Waiver For Grounds of Inadmissibility?

Most grounds of inadmissibility can be appealed through a waiver. If approved, a waiver allows someone to enter the United States despite meeting one of the above grounds of inadmissibility.

However, not all grounds of inadmissibility may be waived. Conditions for grounds of inadmissibility that cannot be waived include anyone who is found to be a:

• Drug abuser or drug addict
• Drug trafficker
• Foreign spy
• Terrorist
• Nazi

Meeting Grounds of Inadmissibility Can Be Serious. Our Immigration Lawyers Can Help.

For an initial consultation, contact today.