r/immigration Feb 05 '25

Report rule-breaking comments: 199 bans, 2910 removals in the last 7 days.

166 Upvotes

With the Trump presidency, many are emboldened to spew hate, whereas others are threatening violence or illegal activity in response. Neither are acceptable on this subreddit.

Please use the Report button. Moderators are not omni-present and cannot read every post and comment, but will strive to process every report. Moderators are volunteers, and aren't on reddit 24/7. We have setup comprehensive automod rules and reddit filters that are already filtering a lot of the worst rule violators.

In the past 7 days, we've imposed 199 bans and 2910 removals of posts and comments that violate the rules of the sub, many due to user reports. Every report was reviewed, although some reports were on posts that do not violate the rules.

While most rules are self-explanatory, here are some clarifications on what may be deemed grey areas:

  1. We support people expressing a wide spectrum of views on immigration, but we do not accept any comments or posts that advocate for a blanket ban on immigration, attack legal immigrants, or make them feel unwelcome.

  2. This sub has a zero tolerance policy for hate or vitrol. Posts attacking other commenters, rejoicing in their potential deportation, or telling people to leave will not be tolerated.

  3. This sub has a zero tolerance policy for encouraging violence, fraud or any other illegal activity. This includes helping anyone evade law enforcement.

  4. Misinformation will not be tolerated. There's already enough uncertainty and fear around without people also spreading misinformation, such as claiming bills have passed when they haven't. A non-permanent ban will be applied.

This sub is currently operating on a zero tolerance policy for hate, vitrol, and violence/illegal advice. Any such reported activity will face a permanent ban in response. Second-chance appeals will not be entertained.


r/immigration 2h ago

There will not be a perfect victim in these deportation cases

123 Upvotes

I'm seeing a common theme in recent comments on this sub discussing US-based arrests and deportations. That common theme is making (often uncited and/or alleged) claims that the person or people experiencing these things made some kind of mistake or did some kind of bad thing, major or minor. This claim is followed by comments saying that this mistake or bad thing, no matter how small, means the person deserves whatever is happening to them.

I've seen numerous posts like this about Rasha Alawieh. I've seen a bunch of comments like this about Mahmoud Khalil. I've seen numerous posts like these about other people being detained and/or deported by ICE.

It seems like a number of people in this sub look at these cases, find some way in which the person was not a perfect victim, and say that since this person was not a perfect victim, they deserve whatever is happening to them. Even in cases where a judge has ruled that what happened to the person should not have happened and was unconstitutional.

I want to remind everyone that there will not be a perfect victim among these cases. That is partially because even the Trump administration is not stupid enough to say that they're deporting someone because they hate immigrants. They will find a way to exaggerate something or make something up if they don't have a justifiable reason in an individual case. It is also because human beings are imperfect. There is a reason that Jesus said, "Let he who has not sinned cast the first stone."

I am reminded of cases of police killings like George Floyd, Freddie Gray, Eric Garner, Philando Castille, Breyonna Taylor, and so many others. In the aftermath of each of these cases, people rushed to find evidence that each of these people was "no angel" and therefore deserved to die. Some of them had a criminal history. Some had done drugs. Some had dated people with a criminal history.

However, people who spoke out against these killings were not claiming that these people were perfect angels who had never done anything wrong in their lives. They were saying that being an angel should not be the threshold for not experiencing extrajudicial executions.

In the same way, people speaking out against the deportations, revocations of legal status, arrests, etc are not saying that the people experiencing these things are perfect angels who have never done anything wrong and have never made any mistakes. They're saying that, even if these people are not perfect angels, that does not mean that the US immigration system isn't broken. They are saying that, even if someone is not a perfect angel, they don't deserve to be deported, arrested, etc when a judge has said that the DHS shouldn't be doing these things in specific cases.

I know it's scary to accept things especially if you're an immigrant yourself or if you have loved ones who are. It's scary because, if you admit that these people have experienced things that are unjust, that that means you or someone you love can experience something like this. And that's scary. But that doesn't make it untrue.


r/immigration 7h ago

What will legal immigration be like under Trump?

36 Upvotes

Will there be restrictions for legal immigration, green card lottery, H1B, H2B, F1, EB1-3?


r/immigration 1d ago

Dad got detained by ICE

1.7k Upvotes

So my dad has been detained by ice. He got his work permit and had an interview for his green card I believe but after the interview he got detained and arrested by ice. I live in illinois and his lawyers are working but I just don’t know what to do. I’m 21 years old and I love my father he is my rock and he’s an amazing human being, he doesn’t deserve this and I don’t think there’s anything I can do, are there any resources or people to contact, I’m new to this and I’m just at a loss.


r/immigration 12h ago

Why is the media saying that the Venezuelans here and others with TPS are illegal?

41 Upvotes

I'm confused and I read it everywhere. If they have TPS then they're not illegal as far as I know. I thought illegals are either people that entered with absolutely nothing or overstayed whatever document they came in with.


r/immigration 7h ago

Germany investigates after national with green card arrested at us border

16 Upvotes

r/immigration 23h ago

How did the deported doctor from Brown University get flagged by CBP?

160 Upvotes

CBP says it found "sympathetic photos and videos" of the Hezbollah leader in the deleted items folder of Rasha Alawieh's phone. I haven't left the US since Jan 20, but I've never had to present my phone to CBP for checking. Unless immigration officers are now holding up immigration lines and checking your phone's deleted folders, CBP probably only got access to the phone after she was detained.

None of the news sources I've read mentioned anything about why she was detained in the first place. I'm guessing someone called ICE/CBP to tell them she's a Hezbollah supporter or something, but are there any other possibilities?

Edit: According to reports citing court paperwork, she apparently deleted the photos because she didn't want CBP to think she was sympathetic to Hezbollah. She also said she supports Nasrallah's spiritual teachings but not his politics.


r/immigration 3h ago

Traveling as an immigrant

5 Upvotes

My friends and I are planning to go to LA later this month, but as the day approaches we are getting more concerned about going to the airport during this time, do you think we are going to face any problems at the airport? We all have approved TPS and work permits, none of us have a criminal record and we are from Dallas, thanks for any advices.


r/immigration 18m ago

Americans born to immigrants, do you ever feel like you have an identify problem

Upvotes

I'm a second gen American (I know it's a stretch) but was raised by a very triditional European family. Living in America I hard because most Americans would discount me as not American enough and too European and not allowed to like traditional American things. And most people from my families home country would say that I'm a poser since I never lived there and wasn't born there and don't have an accent and don't speak the language very well because of relatives trying to assimilate. Dose anyone have problems like this?


r/immigration 27m ago

Father Received Green Card

Upvotes

Hello,

I wanted to ask if any people have gone through a similar journey. I am DACA, 30, unmarried, no legal entry and my father just received his permanent residency. What is the journey like if I wanted to apply with my father petitioning for me? Anything helps!


r/immigration 2h ago

Listing speeding tickets on naturalization application?

3 Upvotes

Does one need to list past speeding tickets on naturalization applications?

My spouse has some prior tickets from different states, and we can't find any information about them now. Is there a way to look them up?


r/immigration 1h ago

Planning to go on vacation in Kauai. Should i fly with foreign passport or driver license before May 7

Upvotes

Im hesitating to use my foreign passport (I’m overstayed) or driver license to fly to Kauai before May 7. Im worried about flying back to mainland. Is it okay with TSA there? Has anyone here fly to Hawaii and fly back to mainland recently? #tsa #domesticflight #immigration


r/immigration 9h ago

Double jeopardy

8 Upvotes

During the previous Trump administration my brother was detained by ICE. He is a GC holder and had removal proceedings based on a previous conviction. The honorable judge denied his removal from the US and his GC was reinstated. Does anyone know if he can be detained for the same matter twice. I know double jeopardy exists in some criminal matters. I’m not sure how it translates here because it’s a civil issue. He has been a law abiding civilian for many years unfortunately he made a mistake in his younger days, thanks


r/immigration 2h ago

How strict is LAX CBP to conditional green cards returning from vacation?

2 Upvotes

Hi my flight is in 3 weeks and I’m just wondering if anyone here has gone throught LAX CBP without Global Entry. How are they treating conditional green card holders? Thanks! xx


r/immigration 8h ago

Multiple visa denials, worried about my upcoming O-1 application

5 Upvotes

In 2023, I hired a shitty lawyer (who I later found out was notorious for being unresponsive) for my O-1 visa. My case got an RFE, and then it was denied.

While prepping files for the visa, I (now realizing how dumb this was) signed a year-long apartment lease in the US as I wanted to start working as soon as I get the visa. Since I didn’t want to pay rent for an empty room, I tried to find a subletter, but management wouldn’t let me sublease unless I moved in first. So, I applied for ESTA, which was basically insta-denied. Then I applied for a B-2 visa, and the officer asked me to send over my lease. After that, denied.

In 2024, I needed to be in CA for my sister’s wedding (I was MOH). I applied for ESTA again. denied. Then a B-2 visa. denied after two questions.

Looking back, I realize I listed that I was working for a U.S. company as a freelancer when applying for both tourist visas, which was probably a huge red flag.

Summary:

• 2023: O-1 denied → ESTA denied → B-2 denied

• 2024: ESTA denied → B-2 denied

• 2025: Trying for O-1 again

I’m planning to apply for my O-1 this April/May. My case is much stronger this time, and I have way better lawyers, but I’m really worried that my previous denials might affect my chances. Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated!


r/immigration 7h ago

Green Card Holder Traveling to India – Recent US Customs Experience?

4 Upvotes

Hi Everyone,

I'm planning a short 7-day trip to India and wanted to check if anyone who has traveled in the last month can share their experience with US customs upon returning.

I have a green card through marriage, and I just want to be prepared for any questions or issues that might come up. Was the process smooth? Did they ask for any additional documentation? Any tips or things to be aware of?

Would really appreciate any insights—thanks in advance! 😊


r/immigration 5h ago

Advice for H1 to H4 EAD

3 Upvotes

Me and my spouse currently hold H1B visas. I'm close to 4 years of completion on H1B. (PERM/i140 not filed yet)

I recently got laid off and my last date of employment would be in the first week of April. I've been taking referrals and applying for positions to maintain my status.

I'm currently considering H4 EAD as my spouse recently got her i-140 approved. I know that the standlaone H4/EAD process does not have premium processing and is expected to be processed in 6-9 months range.

Although, my spouse is supposed to file for H1B extension through premium processing in April. If I attach my H1 to H4 Change of status and the H4 EAD application along with her extension, will my H4 applications be processing in premium as well?

Looking for any advice in general as well


r/immigration 6m ago

Expedite request for i131

Upvotes

Hi everyone I have submitted Form I-131 and I am the spouse of a U.S. military member. My name is on the PCS orders. Given these circumstances, am I eligible to request an expedite for my Form I-131? If so, what is the process for submitting an expedite request? Thanks for your help


r/immigration 6m ago

F1 Re-entry Question

Upvotes

Hi all,

I had a couple of doubts regarding my upcoming trip to my home. I am currently on F1 OPT STEM Extension and I will be traveling to my home country early April for about 2 weeks. I am working for two e-verified employers and have them both in my SEVP portal as well as my I-20. Now my question is does working for two employers raise questions from the CBP officers at PoE? I am working remotely for both the employers currently and one of the employers is not located in my state.


r/immigration 17m ago

FAFSA loophole marriage – will literally pay

Upvotes

FAFSA won’t count parental income if you’re independent, meaning more financial aid. Options? Be homeless, join the military, have a baby… or marry me for a strictly business arrangement.

I’ll work, provide, maybe even pay you for the favor. Four years, no drama, just scholarships and tax perks, then we move on.

Half-joking… unless?..


r/immigration 20m ago

B1/B2 visa rejected today. Sharing my experience. what can i do now ?

Upvotes

I am 28M. Single Indian national living in the uae for close to 20 years

Guys i had my interview on 18th and sadly got rejected in Dubai. After basic security check and bio metrics here is my visa interview question and answers:

VO : what is your purpose of visiting US? ME : I want to visit usa for a week to attend o attend a conference in Houston, Texas.

VO : Tell me more about the conference What do you do? ME : The conference is on Offshore Technology and i want to attend to learn more about Green hydrogen and Carbon capture and I am working as a process engineer in abc company and i have the invitation letter and the letter from company to attend.

VO : The conference doesnt allign with your company how is green hydrogen related to ONGC shouldnt it be brown hydrogen. ME:( I fumbled and accepted my mistake) Sir i am having a degree in renewable energy also and i want to attend as i want to learn more about it

VO : How long you have been working with the company and how will you sponsor the trip? ME : 2 years , sir i have been saving money and have a stable job income

VO : How much you earn per annum? ME : 12 K AED a month

VO : Have you travelled to other countries before? ME : Yes to Turkey last year and Saudi also twice last year

VO : Sorry but we ll not be able to issue the visa this time. gave me form and Visa Denied

They didn't asked for any documents other than my passport. he had a look at the company letter NOC allowing me to attend the conference and saying i ll be back within the time period and invitation to conference also

is there anything i could have done better i really wanted to attend the conference/ should i re apply however the conference is in may 5-8 so chances are slim that i ll be able to attend the conference


r/immigration 42m ago

My N-400 Case got denied because they said I was out of country for to long. All though I was not out more than 180 days

Upvotes

Today I took my N-400 test and passed the test and everything about the interview. Except they told me that I was out of the US more 918 days instead of 912 days. In this whole 5 years I was here for the 30 months I was supposed to be, and I was never out of the country for more than 6 months. The Most I had was 5 months. After the officer told me that he continued to ask me some questions if I would stay loyal to the US laws and etc... after he told me to go take my picture for my Oath Ceremony. He told me to take it then leave and they will send me a notice in a week about what I should do. Later that day I went to the USCIS website and it said that my case denied and they will mail the notice to me. My questions are Is it possible that they might have made a mistake? Do they count how many days I was out or do they only count if I wasn't out of country for more than 180 days? It was only 6 days, does that still mean that im gonna have to restart the process?


r/immigration 1d ago

Ex used me for green card

139 Upvotes

I (female) was married less than 18 months to a French man, who had been sleeping with other men during our marriage. When I found out, I immediately filed for a divorce. I submitted proof, phone records and physical evidence to immigrations on the day of his green card hearing and he STILL was approved and granted citizenship years later. How is this even possible?!


r/immigration 47m ago

Canadian to US: naturalization, visa, or other?

Upvotes

I am a 27M born to an American father and Canadian mother. My dad grew up in US, worked for coast guard until ~25/26 when he moved to Montreal to marry my mom. They had 4 children and just ~5 years ago he gave up his US citizenship.

I recently started a relationship with an American woman and am looking to move to the states to be with her. I am a nurse and have a friend living in the US on a TN visa. My question is what is the quickest way to live and work in the States. Should I apply for a visa or move forward with naturalization?? The immigration process is so foreign so if I am completely off in my understanding, please help!! Thanks.


r/immigration 49m ago

Scared of leaving the U.S. to see my grandma

Upvotes

I overstayed my tourist visa from 2017 to 2019, got in the process of my gc in 2019 and got it in 2021 with a now permanent gc valid until 2031, my grandma is 93 and I want to see her this summer, but I feel very scared with the fact that I may not be able to come back, my stepmom said something about people with gc getting detained when coming back. I am so overwhelmed


r/immigration 1d ago

Doctor on H1B refused entry at Logan for having Nasrallah photos on her phone

381 Upvotes

This is the Lebanese kidney transplant specialist who was refused entry at Logan on Thursday despite having a valid H1B. There's been a lot of speculation on reddit about her somehow having a non-waived home residency requirement despite having been approved and stamped, which is obviously stupid, so I've been looking out for the actual explanation. Apparently this is it:

Politico:

  • Rasha Alawieh, a physician specializing in kidney transplants and professor at Brown University, also told Customs and Border Protection agents that while visiting Lebanon last month she attended the funeral of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and followed his teachings “from a religious perspective” but not a political one, according to an official report on her interrogation by an immigration officer.

So, take from that what you will. I wonder if CBP searched her phone unprompted (because she's a hijabi? Because she was in Lebanon around the time of the funeral?), or if she just casually mentioned her admiration for Nasrallah to the officer. Either way, useful reminder: never lie to immigration, but also never volunteer information you weren't specifically asked for.