{"id":352773,"date":"2022-08-19T07:42:47","date_gmt":"2022-08-19T12:42:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/immigration\/deportation-removal\/illegal-reentry-into-the-u-s-after-removal-crime-and-punishment.html"},"modified":"2024-01-12T18:19:58","modified_gmt":"2024-01-12T23:19:58","slug":"illegal-reentry-into-the-u-s-after-removal-crime-and-punishment","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/deportation-removal\/illegal-reentry-into-the-u-s-after-removal-crime-and-punishment.html","title":{"rendered":"Illegal Reentry Into the U.S. After Removal or Deportation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Illegal Reentry Into the U.S. After Removal or Deportation<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Meagan Neil, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Illegal reentry occurs when someone returns or attempts to return to the United States after being deported, removed, or otherwise ordered to stay outside the country. It is a federal crime and can lead to severe penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and additional bars to lawful admission.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Understanding unlawful presence, grounds of inadmissibility, and available waivers is essential for anyone seeking a legal path to reenter the U.S. after removal.<\/p>\n

This article explains illegal reentry after deportation and its penalties. You’ll also find possible means to reenter the country legally<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The path of reentering the United States after removal can be daunting. This is particularly true if you are navigating the process without legal guidance. An immigration attorney<\/a> can explain your options and advocate for your best interests.<\/p>\n

What Does ‘Illegal Reentry’ Mean?<\/h2>\n

“Illegal reentry” is the act of returning or attempting to return to the U.S. after the government has ordered you to stay outside the United States. It is a federal offense, and the\u00a08 U.S.C. \u00a7 1326<\/a>\u00a0criminalizes this action. People who enter or attempt to enter the U.S. after someone ordered them to leave are guilty of illegal reentry:<\/p>\n