US citizens will soon be voting in the upcoming presidential elections. As election time nears, many groups try to register as many people as possible and increase the turn-out of voters.
However, only US citizens can vote. If you are not a US citizen, but you register to vote, or voted in an election, it could have devastating immigration consequences for you. You could be placed in removal/deportation proceedings (even if you are a long-time green card holder), and face a possible life-time ban. Therefore, unless you are a US citizen, don’t vote!
Registering to vote and/or voting can trap the unwary. Sometimes a person goes to a supermarket, and outside is a person with a clip board soliciting possible voters. The person with the clipboard never even bothers asking if the person is a US citizen. (He or she is paid by the number of persons he “registers” to vote). The person with the clipboard quickly fills out the form, the person signs it, and later, a ballot would appear in his mail. The person then thinks that he is legally authorized to vote in an election.
Or, sometimes the person applies for, or renews, his driver’s license. The application may also include a section to register to vote. (In fact, I know of a case where a green card holder went to renew her license, and filled out the entire application, without realizing that she had also filled in the section about registering to vote. Two days later, she realized her mistake, and rushed back to the DMV to correct the problem. But still it created complications,when she tried to naturalized, as her name appeared on the registry of voters.)
And that’s another thing, if you ever registered to vote, the USCIS can access those records, to find out if you registered and/or if you voted.
In conclusion, one of the “benefits” of being a US citizen, is being able to vote. If you are not yet a US citizens, do not register to vote, and do not vote. If you inadvertently registered to vote, you should definitely seek the advice of a reputable immigration attorney, who can evaluate your situation and advise you on the best course of action.
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Michael J. Gurfinkel is licensed, and an active member of the State Bar of California and New York. All immigration services are provided by, or under the supervision of, an active member of the State Bar of California. Each case is different. The information contained herein including testimonials, “Success Stories,” endorsements and re-enactments) is of a general nature, and is not intended to apply to any particular case, and does not constitute a prediction, warranty, guarantee or legal advice regarding the outcome of your legal matter. No attorney-client relationship is, or shall be, established with any reader.
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