Q: What are the consequences of an illegal entry into the U.S?

A: As a foreign national who entered the U.S. without inspection ("EWI"), you are subject to removal under the immigration law. You are also accumulating unlawful presence in the U.S. Individuals who have accumulated periods of unlawful presence and then depart the U.S. face bars to re-entry, the length of which depends on how long the individual was unlawfully present. If you were unlawfully present in the U.S. for a period of less than 180 days (6 months), then you do not face a bar to returning. If you were unlawfully present in the U.S. for a period greater than 180 days but less than one year before departing the U.S., you face a three (3) year bar. if you have been unlawfully present in the U.S. for a period of one (1) year or more and depart the country, you will face a ten (10) year bar.