I'm curious about the consequences of overstaying US visa. A friend of
mine told me a rather longish sad story of someone who came to the US
on student visa with honest intentions to go to college. A year before
he should graduate, his monies ran out. He then got into a bad
marriage (during which he never attempted to file a green card).
Having overstayed his visa by a few weeks, he didn't leave the US for
fear of not being able to get back, and the unrealistic hope that
he'll correct his immigration situation, somehow.
Needless to say, he failed to correct his immigration status. the snow
ball spins and he ends up with several YEARS of visa overstay (several
years of illegal status).
Other than the above (rather severe) immigration problems, he doesn't
have any other issues with the law.
The question is, if this person finally decides to end his misery and
leave the US (for good of course - there is no doubt that he'll never
be allowed back into the US), will he be at risk of getting arrested
on his way out (at the borders or airport) or even imprisoned, because
he overstayed his visa?
Thanks
D.W |