Top 5 Immigration Questions People Asked Online This Week [August 8, 2025]

Every week, immigrants across the U.S. and abroad face complicated, confusing, and sometimes urgent questions about their legal status, travel plans, or next steps. These questions aren’t just technical; they impact lives, families, and futures.

That’s why we at ImmigrationQuestion.com gather real, timely immigration questions from people just like you and bring clarity with answers. This space is for you, whether you’re adjusting status, planning international travel, or navigating tricky USCIS policies.

Let’s look at this week’s top pressing immigration questions people asked online.

#1. I was removed from the U.S. and barred for five years after admitting plans to work remotely on a tourist visa. Can I apply for an L1A in the future, or will it likely be denied?

If you were removed from the U.S. and barred for five years for admitting to working remotely on a tourist visa, applying for an L1A visa in the future may be challenging but not impossible.

Until the five-year bar is over, you generally cannot reenter the U.S. without a waiver. L1A eligibility requires you to have worked abroad for the related company for at least one year in an executive or managerial capacity.

Immigration authorities will scrutinize your prior immigration violations. To overcome the bar, you may need to apply for an I-212 waiver of inadmissibility. Consulting an immigration lawyer to evaluate your case and prepare a strong waiver application is crucial to improving your chances of approval after the bar expires.

#2. At my U.S. citizenship interview, I was asked if I had left the country since getting my green card. I’ve made short trips abroad. How should I answer this question correctly?

At your citizenship interview, honestly answer questions about trips abroad since receiving your green card. The officer typically asks how many times you left the U.S. and the duration of each trip. Short trips lasting less than six months generally do not affect naturalization eligibility.

However, trips longer than six months may break continuous residence, potentially complicating your application. Be prepared to provide dates, destinations, and reasons for travel. Accurate, truthful answers along with supporting documents like passports and travel records will ensure a smooth interview process.

#3. I arrived in the U.S. through JFK in May 2025, but my I-94 record still says “not found” even though my travel history is visible. I’m leaving soon. What should I do now in San Francisco?

If you arrived at JFK in May 2025 but your I-94 still says, “not found,” yet your travel history is visible, you should address this promptly, especially before leaving the U.S. in San Francisco.

Contact Customs and Border Protection’s Deferred Inspection Site or visit the nearest CBP office to request a correction or issue of your I-94 record. Bringing your travel documents and any proof of entry will help.

You should resolve this to avoid future admissibility issues or confusion upon departure or reentry.

#4. I’m a high school student on an H4 visa and will age out before getting a green card. After college, what are my best immigration options to stay in the U.S. long-term without relying on H1B?

As an H4 visa holder who will age out before getting a green card, your best long-term U.S. immigration options after college include applying for an F1 student visa, pursuing employment-based visas (like O-1 or EB categories), or seeking alternative pathways such as family sponsorship.

Transitioning to an F1 visa for study is a common first step. Avoid relying solely on the H1B lottery since it is highly competitive and uncertain. Exploring graduate school opportunities or employer sponsorship for work visas can provide stable status without waiting on H1B.

5. I’m filing a petition to bring my mom to the U.S., and her agent says I need a Certificate of Citizenship. Can I use my U.S. passport instead, since both are listed by USCIS as valid proof?

When filing a petition to bring your mother to the U.S., you can use your U.S. passport as proof of citizenship, as USCIS accepts both the passport and Certificate of Citizenship.

However, a Certificate of Citizenship is often preferred for legal clarity since it is a direct USCIS-issued document verifying citizenship status. The passport primarily serves travel purposes, but is fully valid as proof.

But, if your case or the agent specifically requests a Certificate, you can apply for one using Form N-600, so you’re sure you have everything you need.

Have Questions too? Get Expert Answers

Immigration rules are always changing, and every situation is different. That’s why it’s important to get answers that actually apply to your case, not just guesswork from online forums.

If you still have questions after reading this week’s roundup, don’t worry. You can head to ImmigrationQuestion.com, where licensed immigration attorneys are available to help. You might even qualify for a free consultation, depending on your case.

Real legal help is only a few clicks away, whether you’re stuck, curious, or just want peace of mind. Ask your question today and get the answers you need to move forward.