When it comes to U.S. immigration, misinformation is everywhere. Whether it’s passed along by word of mouth, shared online, or misunderstood from legal jargon, immigration myths can cause confusion, fear, and delays in your case. At Castel & Hall LLP, we work closely with individuals and families from around the world to help them understand their rights and move forward with confidence.
Let’s break down five of the most common immigration myths — and the truth behind them.
Myth #1: “Marrying a U.S. citizen guarantees a green card.”
Reality: Marriage to a U.S. citizen can make you eligible to apply for a green card, but it’s far from guaranteed. The U.S. government carefully examines marriage-based applications to ensure the relationship is real and not just for immigration purposes.
This means you’ll have to provide extensive documentation, attend an interview, and possibly face long wait times. Any red flags — like inconsistencies in your stories, missing documents, or a criminal history — can delay or derail the process.
At Castel & Hall LLP, we help clients build strong, well-documented cases that stand up to scrutiny. We’ll prepare you for every step of the process, including the all-important interview.
Myth #2: “If you’re undocumented, you have no rights.”
Reality: This is a dangerous and false belief. Even undocumented immigrants have certain rights under U.S. law — including the right to remain silent, the right to a lawyer (in criminal cases), and protection against unlawful search and seizure.
In some states, undocumented immigrants can also access education, emergency healthcare, and certain worker protections. If you’re facing deportation or have been treated unfairly, you may still have legal options.
Our firm offers confidential consultations, and we never share your information without your consent. We’re here to help, not judge.
Myth #3: “You can’t work while waiting for your green card.”
Reality: It depends on your specific situation, but in many cases, you can apply for a work permit (Form I-765) while your green card application is pending. Once approved, this Employment Authorization Document (EAD) allows you to legally work in the U.S. while you wait.
Some visa categories — like asylum seekers or adjustment of status applicants — are eligible for work permits within a few months. Having legal work authorization is not only helpful for your livelihood, but it also helps show immigration officials that you’re contributing to society.
Our immigration attorneys can help you determine if you’re eligible for a work permit and assist you with the application process.
Myth #4: “All immigration cases take years to process.”
Reality: While it’s true that some immigration applications can take a long time due to government backlogs and processing delays, not all cases take years. Some categories, such as fiancé(e) visas (K-1), DACA renewals, or certain employment-based visas, may process more quickly — especially if they’re filed correctly the first time.
Errors, missing documents, or incomplete applications often lead to Request for Evidence (RFE) notices or outright denials, which cause even more delays.
With our help at Castel & Hall LLP, you’ll get a precise, complete, and timely application — minimizing delays and maximizing your chance of success.
Myth #5: “Hiring an immigration attorney is too expensive.”
Reality: Legal help doesn’t have to break the bank — and not hiring a lawyer can actually cost you more in the long run. One small mistake or missed deadline could lead to denial, deportation, or years of delay.
At Castel & Hall LLP, we offer transparent pricing, payment plans, and case evaluations tailored to your situation. More importantly, we bring peace of mind. You’ll know your case is being handled by a dedicated legal team with years of experience in immigration law.
Investing in the right attorney means investing in your future — and in many cases, that investment pays off in the form of stability, family unity, and a clear path forward.
Final Thoughts
Immigration law is complicated — and the stakes are high. Falling for common myths can lead to missed opportunities, unnecessary fear, or legal mistakes that are hard to fix.
At Castel & Hall LLP, we believe in empowering our clients with the truth. Whether you’re applying for a visa, adjusting your status, facing deportation, or reuniting with family, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
If you have questions about your immigration status or need help with any aspect of your case, contact us today. Your future deserves clarity, protection, and the right legal team by your side.