Non-U.S. citizens do not have the right to enter the United States, unless they are lawful permanent residents (people with green cards). And even green card holders cannot re-enter the United States if they have become “inadmissible.” A valid visa does not guarantee entry, it simply entitles you to apply for admission to the United States.

If you have a criminal case pending, do not leave the United States without consulting an immigration attorney. You might be stopped at the border and denied re-entry, even though you have a green card or were attempting to come back for a hearing. There are remedies for this, but you should make the arrangements before you leave. Besides, under most circumstances, the conditions of your release will prohibit long-distance travel without special permission from the judge.

If you have just entered the United States (at the border or on an international plane flight), and immigration or customs officers want you to sign a document and then leave the country, be extremely careful. The document is likely to involve “voluntary departure” or, worse, some form of “removal.” Demand to telephone an attorney for advice, before signing anything. Insist on getting a copy of any document you do sign.