What is the consequence of being unlawfully present in the United States for more than one year?

Being unlawfully present in the United States for more than one year results in a significant immigration consequence: you become inadmissible for a period of 10 years upon seeking readmission. This means that if you attempt to return to the U.S. after being unlawfully present for this duration, you will face legal restrictions preventing you from being granted entry for a decade.

This rule is part of the broader framework of U.S. immigration law designed to manage who is permitted to enter the country and under what circumstances. It is intended to discourage prolonged unlawful presence, which can undermine the integrity of the immigration system.

Understanding this consequence is crucial for individuals who may find themselves in complicated immigration situations, as it outlines the potential long-term impacts of unlawful presence on their ability to return to the United States.