Hi, I have a question regarding violating US immigration laws. This is my case:
In 2001 I entered the US on a J1 visa for seasonal work. I got the SSN, worked in accordance with the immigration rules i.e. I WAS allowed to work on the J1 visa for about 6 months. I did the same on 2002. No violations whatsoever so far. On 2003 I got a B1/B2 visa and was granted stay up to 6 months. I found a job and worked "legally" meaning I provided my true credentials and paid all the taxes, federal, state, Medicare all of them. After 5 months I left the US and came back to my home country. In other words I did not overstay my visa, I violated the terms, that is I worked without authorization, but did not do this under the table, rather I paid all taxes, i.e. the same as on J1. I know this is wrong, but I had to because of economic hardship... Anyhow I understand I made a mistake (I hope it's not a crime because after all I earned my money, I did not do illegal work rather I worked illegally, I think.) Now my question is what does the US immigration law say in such a case? Is it a crime? Can I apply to visit the US again? Is there a (5 or 10 year) ban? Let's say I want to visit the US again and this time I do not intend to violate the terms. Will the embassy check whether I worked in the US under B1/B2 (they can find it easily if they search my SSN)? Or should I say I stayed with friends, relatives during the 5 months stay on B1/B2, that is deny that I worked? Also, in case I win the DV Lottery will I be disqualified for this misdemeanor? Thanks and sorry for the long explanation but as Lenin said: I don't have time to keep it short.
P.S. I had sex while on visitor status. Please don't tell me this was illegal as well.
In 2001 I entered the US on a J1 visa for seasonal work. I got the SSN, worked in accordance with the immigration rules i.e. I WAS allowed to work on the J1 visa for about 6 months. I did the same on 2002. No violations whatsoever so far. On 2003 I got a B1/B2 visa and was granted stay up to 6 months. I found a job and worked "legally" meaning I provided my true credentials and paid all the taxes, federal, state, Medicare all of them. After 5 months I left the US and came back to my home country. In other words I did not overstay my visa, I violated the terms, that is I worked without authorization, but did not do this under the table, rather I paid all taxes, i.e. the same as on J1. I know this is wrong, but I had to because of economic hardship... Anyhow I understand I made a mistake (I hope it's not a crime because after all I earned my money, I did not do illegal work rather I worked illegally, I think.) Now my question is what does the US immigration law say in such a case? Is it a crime? Can I apply to visit the US again? Is there a (5 or 10 year) ban? Let's say I want to visit the US again and this time I do not intend to violate the terms. Will the embassy check whether I worked in the US under B1/B2 (they can find it easily if they search my SSN)? Or should I say I stayed with friends, relatives during the 5 months stay on B1/B2, that is deny that I worked? Also, in case I win the DV Lottery will I be disqualified for this misdemeanor? Thanks and sorry for the long explanation but as Lenin said: I don't have time to keep it short.
P.S. I had sex while on visitor status. Please don't tell me this was illegal as well.
