In February, President Joe Biden issued a new Immigrations and Customs Enforcement rules aimed at narrowing the government's immigration enforcement efforts to illegal immigrants who are a threat to national security and members of the public.

Although these guidelines have led to a reduction in the number of U.S. arrests and deportations tremendously, thousands of immigrants are still facing the humiliating and distressing arrests and deportations. Granted, some of the apprehensions are often a result of certain mistakes legal immigrants make, which have been outlined in this article. If you're a U.S. immigrant, you can keep yourself and your family safe by avoiding the following mistakes:
 

Saying That You're a U.S. Citizen in Various Application Forms

There are many forms that you often have to fill in different contexts in the U.S., such as financial aid application forms, employment forms and loan application forms. These forms usually contain questions that some U.S. immigrants answer incorrectly, leading to deportation. For example, while completing the USCIS Form 1-9, some U.S. non-citizens mistakenly check the box asking whether they're a U.S. citizen. Similarly, if you're a non-citizen, and you're completing the financial aid application (FAFSA) forms, identifying yourself as a U.S. citizen can land you in trouble.

If you're not sure about the details contained in the various forms that you have to fill, you should always ask for assistance before writing anything or checking any box.
 

Failing To Submit All the Required Paperwork

As an immigrant, you're required to submit a lot of paperwork referred to as "supporting evidence". This kind of paperwork assists you prove something about you. If you want to prove that you have a legitimate U.S. address, for instance, you can use utility bills. If you want to prove that your marriage is legitimate, you can use a marriage certificate. Similarly, you can prove that you entered the U.S. legally with an arrival departure record.
You have to include every necessary supporting document while submitting your immigration application.
 

Sending Untranslated Documents

The USCIS only reviews supporting evidence that is presented in English. If you find yourself in a situation where you have to submit a document that is not in English, such as a birth certificate, you have to attach the translation. Moreover, always remember that the translation has to be done by a qualified translator. This doesn't mean that you need to hire a professional translator; a skilled friend, family member or workmate can assist you with the process.

"Qualified" means that the translator is proficient, and guarantees that their work is correct and that they are competent enough to translate the language into English. Just remember that the translator has to include their signature, address and the date of the translation.
 

Failing To Submit the Right Payment Type

In the U.S., every immigration form carries a filing fee. The government cannot complete your application if you don't pay the whole fee. Remember that you have to make the payment in U.S. currency. Also, you need to check the amount before you submit the application because they often change. If there are any errors, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security can reject the application and send it back to you.
 

Having a False Social Security Number

There are many reasons why your Social Security number might be inaccurate. It could be a result of clerical errors, a name change or simply that you obtained a fake Social Security number altogether. In most cases, immigrants use false Social Security numbers to get mortgages, credit cards, avoid reporting income, open bank accounts and so forth.

If you know or suspect that your Social Security number is incorrect, look for an immigrations attorney to give you the most appropriate way forward.
It's very difficult to live and operate in the U.S. without a social security card; basic things, such as getting a place to live, establish credit or get a driver's license, can be a nightmare without it. You therefore need to ensure you have the right Social Security Number to lead a normal life in the U.S. and avoid deportation.

U.S. Immigration can be complicated. Even if you're a legal immigrant, there are many reasons why you can face deportation, some of which include what we've discussed above. To avoid any issues, it's always wise to seek professional help whenever you feel like you need it. There are many immigration attorneys all over the country who would be more than willing to assist you.