If you are an immigrant in the United States, or you would like to enter the country, you have likely heard many myths about the immigration system. Perhaps movies and television have misinformed you of the process, or maybe you have family members or friends who also went through the process and are now making generalizations about your case. Immigration law in the United States is complex and there are many misconceptions about it that too many people have come to accept as fact. Four of the most common myths surrounding immigration, and the truths behind them, are below.
It is unclear how this myth got started, but it is certainly one of the most widespread myths about immigration. In fact, immigration law in the United States does try to promote family unity and recognizes that sometimes, people enter the country looking for the American dream, but they must leave loved ones behind to do so. For this reason, you can petition for any immediate relative, including a spouse, child, and yes, one or both of your parents.
This myth may have started circulating due to the fact that after five years of holding a green card, a person may apply for citizenship. However, nothing is ever automatic or guaranteed in the immigration system. Even if you have been in the United States for 10 years or more, you must still apply for an adjustment of status, and you must meet certain eligibility requirements that may have little to do with how long you have been in the country.
It is never a good idea for anyone to get into trouble with the law, but it is especially perilous for immigrants. Many people think they can only get deported if they commit major offenses, and that seemingly minor offenses such as shoplifting will not work against them. This is not true. However, that does not mean that you will automatically be deported. You do have options, such as filing a motion to vacate.
Anyone who applies for immigration status obviously hopes for the best. Receiving news that your application was denied can be devastating, but that does not mean it is the end of the road, or that you have to leave the country. You can appeal the decision so that you can remain in the United States, but the process is complex. An immigration lawyer can help you through it and give you the best chance of success.
There are many myths surrounding immigration and those listed above are just some of the most common. If you are applying for immigration status, need to adjust your status, or are facing deportation, our Chicago immigration lawyers at Kriezelman, Burton & Associates, LLC can provide the sound legal advice you need. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a meeting with one of our knowledgeable attorneys.
5-Star Rating | Based on 200+ Satisfied Customer Google Reviews
Exceptional Legal Representation I want to sincerely thank Kevin Raica for handling my case so efficiently. From our very first meeting, he demonstrated confidence and a clear plan for moving forward, which put us at ease right away. He kept the process moving and resolved our case in a timely manner. His professionalism and dedication made a stressful situation much easier to navigate. I have already recommended his services to…
Kriezelman Burton & Associate are Excellent immigration law firm that understands and guide one through any immigration cases. Attorney Khiabett is one of their best attorneys you can trust, she understands, patient, attentive, and gives honest advice about any immigration case her client has. I HIGHLY recommend the law firm to anyone having immigration concerns. Thank you for all you do.
Outstanding experience and successful Green Card approval with Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC! The immigration process can often be stressful and overwhelming, but working with Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC in Chicago made the entire journey smooth, transparent, and successful from start to finish. I want to express my deepest gratitude to Justin Burton for his exceptional professionalism, strategic guidance, and confidence from day one. Knowing my case was in…
Kevin Raica literally saved my life. He helped me out of a dangerous situation that my previous attorney had put me in. After 17 years without status and 6.5 years of working with my previous attorney, I had experienced so many denials that I had completely lost hope. When I met Kevin, everything changed. He genuinely cared about my situation and gave me hope when I couldn’t see any for…
We sincerely thank the entire team for the professionalism, responsiveness, patience, and dedication shown throughout our case. From our very first visit, Justin reassured us that everything would be all right. Thank you, Khiabett, for your expertise, professionalism, and calm guidance before and during the interview, which greatly reduced our stress and gave us confidence. We also deeply appreciate Kamila's hard work, patience, and responsiveness throughout the process. For sorting…
I would like to sincerely thank Attorney Justin Burton and PL Kamila Lada for support with my adjustment of status case. I have been working with the firm for over a year now, and I have received nothing short of exceptional services and support throughout various cases for myself and family members. Highly recommend consulting and retaining this firm.
We have been in the dark with our case for over 2 decades, while working with other big firms who just kept me in the dark and sat on our case without making any effort to move it forward until I met the wonderful team at Kriezelman & Burton. AO and JP are truly God-sent angels who with their knowledge, collaboration, sense of direction and outside the box thinking, managed…
Brittni Rivera and her team (Carina Lopez) are fantastic! They are responsive, efficient and beyond compassionate. Brittni Rivera and her team treated me with dignity and respect as they patiently answered all of my questions. They didn't move on without making sure I understood each step. Their work ethic was impressive. It felt like they were an extension of my personal team. I can't say enough to convey my gratitude…

Attorney Advertising. This information is designed for general information only. The information presented should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Past results and testimonials are not a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of the outcome of your case, and should not be construed as such. Past results cannot guarantee future performance. Any result in a single case is not meant to create an expectation of similar results in future matters because each case involves many different factors, therefore, results will differ on a case-by-case basis. By providing contact information, users acknowledge and give explicit consent to be contacted via the methods of communication provided, including SMS. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. Reply STOP to opt out.
NUVEW | Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved | Accessibility Notice | privacy policy