Grounds for Inadmissibility and Removability

Certain individuals are deemed "inadmissible to" or "removable from" the United States for a variety of reasons that can be grouped into basic categories:

Health

Ex: Tuberculosis, leprosy, syphilis, mental disorders, drug abuse

Criminal

Prostitution, human trafficking, drug offenses, crimes of moral turpitude

Security

Terrorist group membership, Nazi and Communist Party affiliations

Public Charge

Someone who is likely to be unable to support themselves (need I-864 affidavit)

Labor Certifications

Not passing tests required for immigration as a skilled professional

Undocumented Entry and Immigration Status Violations

Coming to the U.S. without USCIS or State Department permission

Documentation Requirements

Invalid visas

Ineligibility for citizenship

People who have left the U.S. to avoid the draft

Previous removal for unlawful presence

People who have been previously removed from the U.S. are barred from returning

Other

People who have renounced citizenship for tax purposes

The details of what makes an individual inadmissible or removable are numerous and complex but an experienced immigration attorney can help determine if you are inadmissible or not, and argue your case to USCIS.

In some cases, even if you would ordinarily be "inadmissible", it is still possible to get a waiver that allows you entry to the United States. Only an attorney specializing in immigration law knows the ins-and-outs of this complex area of Federal law.