Get answers to the top 5 most-asked immigration questions on Reddit for the week of April 7, 2025:
This week, we’re tackling the following questions:
- Is it possible to get a green card if I’ve used a fake SSN in the past?
- Can I travel to the U.S. with a B-1/B-2 visa while my I-130 petition is pending?
- I’m a student on an F-1 visa. If I graduate from my undergrad program in May, can I stay in the U.S. until my grad school program starts in August?
- Does the U.S. have open Venezuelan consulates or embassies?
- What forms of identification can undocumented immigrants use to fly domestically once REAL ID laws go into effect?
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Disclaimer: While Boundless is authorized to own and operate our law firm, this response is coming from our research team, not our attorneys. The information we provide on this page is not legal advice.
#1: Is it possible to get a green card if I’ve used a fake SSN in the past?
Having a history of using a fake Social Security Number (SSN) could complicate your green card application. Using a fake SSN is a federal crime that can have serious immigration consequences, including removal, inadmissibility, and being barred from obtaining legal status in the U.S. However, you may be able to file a Waiver of Inadmissibility depending on your circumstances, so it’s a good idea to consult an experienced immigration attorney to explore your options.
#2: Can I travel to the U.S. with a B-1/B-2 visa while my I-130 petition is pending?
Yes, you can travel to the U.S. on a valid B-1/B-2 visa while your I-130 petition is pending, but it may be challenging to obtain a visa and/or enter the U.S. The pending I-130 indicates an intent to immigrate, which could raise concerns at the port of entry. You must prove to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers that your visit is temporary and that you intend to return home afterward. It’s wise to bring documentation showing ties to your home country such as a return ticket, proof of employment, or property ownership to strengthen your case.
#3: I’m a student on an F-1 visa. If I graduate from my undergrad program in May, can I stay in the U.S. until my grad school program starts in August?
Yes, you can remain in the U.S. between programs as long as you obtain a new Form I-20 from your graduate school and transfer your SEVIS record to the new school. Work with your Designated School Official (DSO) and both schools’ international offices to ensure compliance with F-1 regulations and protect your status.
If you fail to secure the proper documentation within the 60-day grace period after your undergraduate program ends (the expiration date on your Form I-20), you must leave the U.S. and reenter with updated documentation no more than 30 days before your new program starts.
#4: Does the U.S. have open Venezuelan consulates or embassies?
No, the Venezuelan embassy and consulates in the U.S. have been officially closed since 2019 due to severed diplomatic relations between the two countries. Venezuelan nationals needing consular services should consider seeking assistance from Venezuelan embassies or consulates in other countries, such as Mexico.
If you’re a Venezuelan national with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) — which was previously at risk of termination by the Trump administration but has since been extended by a judge — and you need consular assistance, it’s a good idea to contact an immigration attorney who can help guide you through your options.
#5: What forms of identification can undocumented immigrants use to fly domestically once REAL ID laws go into effect?
Starting May 7, 2025, all travelers will need REAL ID-compliant identification for domestic flights. Undocumented individuals who cannot obtain REAL IDs from their state of residence can use alternative forms of REAL ID-compliant identification, including unexpired foreign passports, Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), tribal ID cards, or trusted traveler cards like NEXUS and SENTRI.
If you’re undocumented and wish to travel domestically by plane, it’s a good idea to consult an immigration attorney before doing so. As the Trump administration continues its immigration crackdown, traveling through airport security could carry more risks.
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