Tampa Immigration Violation Lawyer
When one thinks of an immigration violation, the most common image that comes to mind a foreign citizen crossing the border into the United States. But, criminal immigration violations cover a much broader scope of activity. Many employers do not know is that they can be criminally charged for recruiting or hiring illegal aliens.
According to estimates, at least 1.7 million people entered the United States illegally in 2020. Millions more entered legally but overstayed their visas and were therefore present in the U.S. without authorization. In all, the illegal immigrant population stands at nearly 15 million. Our Tampa immigration violation lawyer has met with many immigrants facing deportation and has listened closely to their stories.
Immigration has become a divisive political issue recently. But the federal government has for decades criminalized a wide variety of conduct which applies not only to those entering the U.S. illegally but to U.S. businesses and citizens who might aid, transport, or employ them. If you are suspected of violating an immigration law, please contact Trombley & Hanes today.
Types of Immigration Violations
Immigration law applies to both individuals and businesses which try to evade immigration laws. Some of the more common violations relate to the following:
Illegal Entry
Aliens can face prosecution for:
- Entering the United States without permission
- Entering a marriage for the purpose of evading immigration law
- Falsifying passports or international travel documents
Smugglers can face prosecution for:
- Harboring, transporting, or assisting unauthorized aliens into the United States
- Selling citizenship papers
Working without Authorization
It is illegal for aliens to work in the U.S. unless they have proper authorization. We have seen aliens charged with:
- Using false identification documents in the employment verification process
- Stealing or using someone else’s identity for employment verification
- Using a stolen Social Security Number for employment purposes
Seeking Benefits of Citizenship Illegally
An alien can be charged for:
- Falsely claiming to be a citizen to obtain government benefits
- Falsely claiming to be a citizen to register for state or federal elections
- Illegally voting in elections
Employing Unauthorized Aliens
Employers can also face prosecution for not following immigration law when it comes to employment:
- Hiring or recruiting an alien who lacks proper work authorization
- Continuing to employ an alien when you know he or she lacks work authorization
- Making a false attestation that you have properly verified work authorization
Consequences and Penalties for Violations
An alien who entered or stayed illegally will most likely be deported and barred from returning to the U.S. unless extraordinary circumstances apply. It is possible for some illegal aliens to request asylum or request a waiver from deportation.
A company which employs illegal aliens can face a civil injunction to stop the practice. If they have engaged in a consistent pattern of illegal conduct, then they will also face criminal penalties. Company executives could face time in prison and the business might be barred from federal contracts.
Prosecutors must establish that defendants knew of the crime. But any prosecution for employing illegal migrants can destroy a company’s reputation. We strongly recommend quickly obtaining legal counsel to protect against the charges and protect your company’s reputation.
Speak with a Tampa Immigration Violation Lawyer Today
Trombley & Hanes is an established law firm with deep experience in immigration law. We offer a confidential consultation for those seeking legal assistance. Please reach out to a Tampa immigration violation lawyer as soon as possible.
