Serious Consequences for Falsely Claiming to be a U.S. Citizen

Thomas M. Lee
Fraud

Falsely and willfully claiming to be a U.S. citizen is a serious felony and may result in permanent and serious immigration consequences in addition to imprisonment and fines. Violators are subject to be placed in removal proceedings to be deported or be allowed to withdraw their application for admission under certain circumstances.

Inadmissibility due to fraud or misrepresentation can be triggered by knowingly making a false claim to U.S. citizenship for any purpose or benefit under the INA, federal law, or state law. It is not necessary to establish a connection between the applicant and civil penalty or criminal conviction when determining whether the applicant is inadmissible.

A prior conviction for falsely and willfully claiming U.S. citizenship is sufficient to establish permanent inadmissibility. Similarly, a civil penalty based on a false representation of U.S. citizenship is sufficient to establish inadmissibility as well.

False claims to U.S. citizenship typically involve procuring and using forged U.S. passports, U.S. birth certificates, U.S. Border Passport Cards, voting in an election, serving on a jury, using forged documents in support of an application for a U.S. passport, as well as falsely claiming U.S. citizenship on any application for a bank account or even filling out an I-9 form for a job application.

The consequences for false claims to U.S. citizenship include the below:

  • Permanent inadmissibility for ANY legal status in the U.S.
  • Removal proceedings (deportation)
  • Banned from reentry into the U.S.
  • Criminally convicted
  • Fined
  • Imprisoned

Please note that the information provided on this website is for general information purposes only and is not to be construed nor relied upon as legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship. For a free consultation with Attorney Thomas M. Lee, please contact us.

Client Reviews

Mr. Lee is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to employment law. I was amazed by his tenacity and skill and in the end, I walked away with a settlement I was very happy about. I highly recommended him to anyone.

Sarah G.

Earlier this year I was very confused about a legal employer/employee situation and needed professional advice. In my desire to move quickly on my situation I spent hours signing up for legal services (e.g. legal shield...

Richard H., Los Angeles, CA

Hands down, the best immigration lawyer in Los Angeles that you could possibly find. Period. After an extremely poor experience with another law firm, which had come highly recommended by one of my company's attorneys...

Robert K., Beverly Hills, CA

My old company was breaking some labor laws and I decided to look for some legal advice. I went to Tom to see what course of action I can take and when we sat down to talk about the details, I decided to hire him and his...

Ethan Y., Orange, CA

It's quite rare to find a lawyer that sincerely cares about your best interest. Most employment lawyers are extremely hungry for business which makes them naturally have their best interest not mine. However, Tom truly...

Jen T., Central LA, Los Angeles, CA

Get in Touch

  1. 1 Free Consultation
  2. 2 Decades of Experience
  3. 3 High Success Record
Fill out the contact form or call us at (213) 251-5533 to schedule your free consultation.

Leave Us a Message