Other means of lawful entry
Not all immigrants need a visa to enter and can apply for a special immigration status including asylum and immigration parole. Asylum is reserved for immigrants whose personal safety is in jeopardy because of war or persecution. (Visit the USCIS website to learn if you or a loved one are eligible for asylum.) Humanitarian parole is a temporary status granted to individuals when conditions in their native country are unlivable or unsafe, typically because of a natural disaster or gang violence. Visit the USCIS website to see a list of countries where the citizens are eligible for humanitarian parole.
Unauthorized immigration to Louisiana
Too many immigrants enter the U.S. without authorization by illegal border crossings. About 40 percent of undocumented immigrants overstayed a visa. Either way, being an undocumented immigrant is risky because they face detention, deportation, fines and being banned from the U.S. for several years or permanently.
Entering the country without documentation or legal has many consequences including deportation, costly fines and the possibility of being barred from the U.S. Before entering without authorization, we recommend you speak with an immigration lawyer so they can explain the consequences and explore the options of lawful entry available to you.
Immigration laws in Louisiana
Law enforcement agencies in Louisiana are required to check the immigration status of individuals they pull over or encounter in their communities if they suspect that person is undocumented. When an immigrant is arrested, police check their fingerprints with a federal database to determine their immigration status. If an immigrant is undocumented, they can be held for 48 hours until federal immigration authorities pick them.
