​Visa Overstays

The United States Department of Homeland Security released a new report on Monday indicating that just around 740,000 people overstayed their visas in 2016.  Some people left later on, but more, around 630,000 stayed in the United States. Additionally, more than five percent of student visa holders overstayed their allotted legal visa visit.

The Trump administration is planning to step up enforcements to try and stop these violations. 

Our Verdict:  Individuals who overstay their visas enter the United States legally and adopt an illegal status when they stay past their allotted travel time.  It is difficult to say what an increase in enforcement from the Trump Administration will look like.  While the process of become a legal citizen may be long and difficult, is far more difficult to apply for permanent legal status if you have violated the law while on a temporary visa.