Living and working in the US as a citizen of another country, you hear a lot of rumors about citizenship and deportation. People don’t spread misinformation deliberately, but given how complicated immigration issues are, it’s easy to believe and share inaccuracies. One of the best ways to get clear, factual information about your situation and the law is to work with an immigration attorney.

Here are five common immigration misconceptions that Florida lawyers hear.

1. I can be deported at any time for no reason.

ICE enforcement action gets a lot of media attention, and it can seem like anyone who isn’t a citizen can be deported at any minute for any reason. If an individual has violated immigration, federal, or state laws, then ICE may begin removal proceedings.

However, sudden deportation at any time, for any reason, isn’t a threat for individuals who are in the country legally.

You still have legal protection and options if you’re part of an ICE raid. For individuals who are on the path to citizenship or naturalization, working with a Florida immigration attorney is crucial. They’re able to help, no matter what issues arise, to minimize stress and uncertainty in your life.

2. If I’m charged with a crime, I’ll automatically be deported.

Avoiding criminal activity is crucial if you’re in the United States without lawful status. Getting arrested alone is enough to begin deportation proceedings. A criminal charge can also affect your citizenship status if you're in the US legally.

Simply being charged with a crime may not have much impact, but pleading guilty or getting convicted of a crime can lead to deportation for immigrants living and working in the US.

While you may have a defense lawyer for a criminal trial, you must also work with a Florida immigration attorney if you’re arrested and charged with a crime.

3. If I get a job, I’ll be able to get a Green Card.

The process for getting a Green Card can take many different paths, but in general, individuals immigrating from other countries must first have a job before they’re eligible for a Green Card. If you work in a high-demand profession, your employer may sponsor you for citizenship.

The first step toward a Green Card is getting a visa allowing you to live and work in the United States legally.

There are many kinds of visas. An immigration attorney can help you find and apply for the right one, given your circumstances, including if you have a family member who is a citizen or are planning on marrying a citizen.

4. I can become a citizen if I marry a US citizen.

United States immigration officials are suspicious of marriages simply for the sake of citizenship. People marrying a citizen must undergo the same screening and application process as anyone applying for a Green Card.

Family unity is a priority when awarding visas, but the current citizen has to fill out the visa application for their loved one.

To get a fiance visa, you cannot be married, the non-resident must not live in the United States yet, and you have to wed within 90 days.

5. All immigration issues are the same.

Immigration is extremely complicated, and not all issues require the same attention. When selecting an immigration attorney, ensure they have relevant experience with the problem you’re facing.

Need an immigration attorney? Contact the Tampa Immigration Law Center in Florida for help.

No matter how complicated your immigration issue may be, the immigration attorneys at Tampa Immigration Law Center will provide you with guidance, candid advice, and transparency about your situation.

From deportation to naturalization, immigration issues are complicated and stressful. A trustworthy lawyer makes the process easier and ensures you don’t lose time and money to errors.

Schedule a call to speak with an attorney and make an appointment for a consultation.