Could a change of address get you deported?

(Last of two parts)

And to be clear: USCIS has reportedly stated that the information could be used for immigration law enforcement purposes or used against a person to place them in deportation if they are receiving certain government assistance. As stated by USCIS, the information provided will “be used to identify aliens who may be receiving means-tested public benefits in violation of the restrictions on eligibility established by Congress…[and] will be used by the Secretary to enforce the immigration laws of the United States, including the public charge ground of deportation.”

Why this matters

For many immigrants, this creates fear and uncertainty. Some people may now worry:

“Should I report my address change?”

“Will using benefits hurt my case?”

“Can this information be shared with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)?”

“Could this place me into removal proceedings?”

The proposal has not yet become final, and we do not yet know exactly how aggressively this information would be used if the changes are approved. But so far, the Trump administration has been very aggressive in enforcing immigration laws and is upset about non-citizens living off of US taxpayers by collecting various forms of government assistance.

Practical advice

If you are worried about this proposed change, I would suggest the following:

First: continue complying with immigration laws, including address update requirements. If you move, you are supposed to report your new address within 10 days, and I would advise that you comply. This is especially true if you are applying for immigration benefits and the case is pending. You want USCIS to send you notices (and approvals) to your current address.

Second: do not rely on rumors or social media panic.

Third: if you have used public benefits or are unsure whether your situation could affect your immigration case, speak with a qualified immigration attorney before making major decisions.

Every immigration case is different. The impact may depend on your immigration category, whether you’re exempt from public charge rules, your current application, your immigration history and the specific benefits involved.

A consultation with an experienced immigration attorney can help you understand your risks and your options.

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