Some of the best opportunities and adventures can be had in the United States, but immigration and traveling here is now more difficult than ever. And perhaps for the logical reason of keeping dangerous people out of the country. Unfortunately, this makes it more difficult for regular visitors, immigrants,and those who want to be naturalized to travel to the U.S.

So when can the United States keep you from visiting? How can your visa, green card, or U.S. entry be denied? For most, it’s completely open for you to visit here. There are some details you need to know, and this guide gives them.

Major Grounds for Inadmissibility
For everyone’s protection, if you have a history of criminal or terrorist affiliations, you can be denied entry. Also, people with drug abuse  problems, medical problems such as communicable diseases (AIDS, for example), can be denied entry. In some cases, there are wavers available for being allowed in.

The main reasons you could be denied include:
-If you have communicable diseases (waivers available)
-If you have physical or mental disorders (waivers available)
-If you abuse drugs, are an addict, or are involved in drug trafficking (no waivers available)
-Prostitutes and people convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude can be denied
-If you are a terrorist, spy, or Nazi (and other serious risks to U.S. security, no waivers)
-If you have multiple crime convictions (waivers available)
-If you are likely to become dependent on welfare

Of those, some may have you confused. First, “mortal turpitude” is defined as how you treat fellow people or society in a vile and base way. There are other considerations where you can be denied a visit to the United States as an immigrant, and this is where an immigration lawyer can help.

You Can’t Get In? U.S. Immigration Laws
If you are considered inadmissible for the above reasons or for others, that’s typically the U.S. State Department and Department of Homeland Security’s decision. You will often be dealing with the USCIS, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration  Services. The USCIS can deny you a visa or approve you for immigration.

If you have a green card (permanent resident status), you also could be deemed inadmissible. For example, you might stay in the U.S. for more than 180 days and be involved in a crime. In this case, you could be denied.

Getting Help with an Immigration Lawyer
There are a variety of ways to get around these laws, but it’s part of a complex system. If you have a green card, it’s often wise to apply for U.S. Citizenship as soon as possible. If you have a criminal history or something else which you believe you hurt your admission into the country, an immigration lawyer can help you not only get a green card but also get you U.S. citizenship.

A group of Republican lawmakers that includes Representative Duncan Hunter of El Cajon and Representative Brian Bilbray of Solana Beach introduced a bill that would require the completion of the 700 mile border fence begun under the George W. Bush administration.

Democratic leaders, including President Barack Obama, have said that they favor a more comprehensive approach to immigration reform, which includes legalization for some of the estimated 12 million illegal immigrants currently in the country.

Before he took office, the President said that he would only support completion of the fence if it was essential for border security operations.

The bill will likely languish in the House Homeland Security and Judicairy committees.