I am living in America without the green card. What will they do if they catch me?

Answer by  gmun (603)

If you do not have a valid work or tourist visa or a greencard then if they find out at some point they may make you leave.

Answer by  jclick (1561)

It depends on "who" catches you. If you are caught by the Border Patrol or U.S. Customs and Immigration Service they would probably deport you immediately. If the police arrest you, they have no power to deport you. If you commit a felony and are convicted you can, however, be deported.

Answer by  Cyrus87 (29)

Most likely "they" will contact your home country and have you sent there in the most efficient, least costly way possible with little regard for your comfort. Also, they may bill you for their time and effort.

Answer by  HilaryC (1382)

If you are found you will be deported and charged with being an illegal immigrant. Try getting a green card or taking a citizenship test.

Answer by  Roland27 (16334)

You will be detained by the INS and you will be deported back to the country that you are a LEGAL citizen of.

Answer by  janedoe (701)

You can be arrested and placed in an ICE holding facility. You may be released on bail. You will have an immigration hearing and, ultimately, deported to your home country.

Answer by  MonikaM (31)

If the police or the immigration team catches you, then you will be sent back to your own country (where you are a citizen)

Answer by  sns34 (144)

It depends on why you don't have a green card. If it expired, then they will most likely give you an opportunity to appeal to the courts as to why you should be allowed to stay. If you are here illegally, then you will probably get deported. Unless you can prove that you are in danger if you return.

Answer by  Jojoblue (468)

They will probably deport you. However, with all the illegal immigrants here and the government is not doing so much about it, maybe you'll get lucky.

Answer by  meridian (466)

You could be deported, but in all actuality, you won't be unless you are involved in illegal activity or live in a place where they are trying to make examples of people who are here without the proper papers. While waiting for your papers to come through, make sure you stay below the radar as much as you can.

Answer by  ladybab (9)

Have you looked into applying for one? If you get caught you will be deported and not get the chance to apply to stay.

Answer by  tamarawilhite (17883)

You will be detained. If you have a valid visa, you can stay until the visa expires. If there is no visa or it has expired, you will be deported.