I-601 Waiver of Inadmissibility

Chicago I-601 Hardship Waiver Lawyer in Illinois

I-601 Inadmissibility Waivers or 601 Hardship Waiver are for someone who is not eligible to re-enter the U.S. because of past immigration, criminal or personal issues in the United States. An I-601 waiver is filed overseas, typically after an approved I-130 (petition for immediate relative), I-140 petition for an alien worker, or I-129F (K Visa/Fiancé Visa) or after an interview at an oversea Consulate.  In some cases, an I-601 hardship waiver can be filed when deemed inadmissible during the adjustment of status process inside the United States.

 Who are eligible for I-160 Inadmissibility Waivers?

A foreign national that is inadmissible for certain grounds of inadmissibility may seek an I-160 inadmissibility waiver in order to enter the U.S. There are many reasons why a foreign national is inadmissible making him/her not eligible to come back to the U.S. again as an immigrant, non-immigrant visa holder or to adjust status to lawful permanent residence.  However, the law provides certain relief to “waive” or “forgive” such inadmissible problems and allow them to enter to the U.S.

What inadmissibility grounds can be waived by I-601 Inadmissibility Waivers?

Congress has granted Immigration and the Attorney General discretion to waive certain grounds (reasons) for inadmissibility. There are many grounds that a foreign national may be inadmissible and need to seek a I-601 Inadmissibility Waivers.  Typically, they include but are not limited to the following:

1. Enter without Inspection

If you entered the U.S. without inspection and legal admission into the U.S. or as commonly described as “entering without paper”, you will be inadmissible and subject to either a 3 years or 10 years bar from entering the U.S. in the future.

Who can apply for I-601 waiver under this ground?

Spouse or child of a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, or fiancé of a K visa petitioner may apply for I-160 waiver.

What are the requirements of this waiver?

You must prove “Extreme Hardship” on your U.S. citizen or permanent resident spouse or parent(s) or K-1 petitioner if you were to denied entry to the U.S. or the qualifying relative moved abroad.

2. Health Issues

Such as having a communicable disease such as HIV infection or Infectious tuberculosis; failure to receive vaccinations against certain vaccine-preventable diseases; Physical or Mental Disorder and behavior related to that disorder; or Persons determined to be drug abuser or addict.

3. Economic Issues

Persons likely to be considered as becoming a charge upon the public. The term public charge describes persons who can not support themselves and who depend on benefits that provide cash such as the use of Medicaid or other government funds to pay for long term care. It is important to note that receiving food stamps alone or other non-cash programs will not generally affect a person’s immigration status. The criteria for determining “public charge” is complex.

4. Past Immigration Issues

A I-601 Waiver is required if you have a history of:

• misrepresentation for immigration purpose
• committing document fraud such as deliberately using a false birth certificate to obtain a U.S. passport
• previous removal orders
• overstaying in excess of 6 months
• entering the U.S. without inspection

5. Criminal Issues

Persons committing crimes of moral turpitude are inadmissible. A crime of moral turpitude is “conduct which is inherently base, vile, or depraved, and contrary to the accepted rules of Morality….” Immigration generally does not list specific crimes as moral turpitude, but rather is the “inherent nature of the crime as defined by statute and interpreted by the courts as limited and described by the record of conviction” Some examples of Crimes of Moral Turpitude are:

• assault and/or battery
• carrying concealed weapon with intent to use or firearms discharge
• child or spousal abuse
• drug offenses more than 30 mg of marijuana
• driving under the influence or disorderly conduct
• fraud or misrepresentation
• kidnapping
• money laundering
• murder and voluntary manslaughter
• robbery
• terrorist threats

Experienced I-160 Inadmissibility Waiver Lawyer in Chicago IL

To successfully get your Inadmissibility Waivers approved, it must be diligently prepared and submitted to the Immigration office.  If you think you may be inadmissible, contact the Cipolla Law Group online or call (773) 687-0549 and let us review and strategically prepare your I-601 Inadmissibility Waiver.

We have extensive experience helping documented immigrants to win their I-601 waivers and be united with their families in the United States. Our Chicago immigration lawyer speak Spanish, Chinese, French, Italian and Portuguese. Check out our sample approved I-601 case below and we look forward to representing you.