Immigration myths vs. facts — evidence-based corrections
Common myths about immigration procedures debunked with primary-source citations: ITIN expiration, ICE warrant requirements, public charge rules for US-citizen children, and more.
Immigration procedures are governed by complex federal regulations, agency policy manuals, and Supreme Court precedent. Misinformation thrives in that complexity. This cluster directly corrects high-search-volume misconceptions with primary-source citations: actual federal regulations, USCIS policy manual sections, IRS publications, and constitutional case law.
Each page below addresses a specific misconception, states the verified fact, and shows the legal authority behind the correction.
Browse by topic
- Myth: My ITIN never expires — The 3-year non-use rule per IRS Publication 1915
- Myth: ICE can enter my home without a warrant — Fourth Amendment requirements per Payton v. New York
- Myth: Public charge applies to SNAP for my US-citizen children — 2022 USCIS rule excludes benefits received by household members
- Myth: A “notario público” is an immigration lawyer — In the US, a notary public cannot give legal advice
More myth-vs-fact pages forthcoming.
How we verify these pages
Every claim on a myth-vs-fact page is cited to a specific primary source — federal regulation (CFR), agency policy manual, statute, or court decision. We do not rely on third-party summaries when the primary source is publicly available.
Frequently asked questions
Why do these myths spread?
How do I know if information about my immigration status is correct?
What should I do if I followed bad advice and now have a problem?
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A US "notario público" is not an immigration lawyer
Fact check: in the United States a notary public is not an attorney and cannot give immigration legal advice or represent you. Learn who actually may — licensed attorneys and DOJ/EOIR-accredited representatives — under federal regulations.
Myth: 'ICE can enter my home without a warrant' — Fourth Amendment requirements
If ICE officers come to my door, they can enter my home without my permission and without a warrant.... The fact: FALSE. Per the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the Supreme Cou
Myth: 'My ITIN never expires' — what IRS Publication 1915 actually says
My Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) never expires — once I have it, it's good forever.... The fact: FALSE. Per IRS Publication 1915 and Internal Revenue Code §6109, an ITIN exp
Myth: 'Public charge applies to SNAP I get for my US-citizen children'
If I apply for SNAP (food stamps) for my US-citizen children, USCIS will count it against me in a 'public charge' determination and could deny my green card.... The fact: FALSE. Per 8 CFR §212.21 and the USCIS Policy Manual Volume 8, Part G, publi
General information, not legal advice. MigrantUSA is an independent publisher and is not a law firm; using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship, and this content is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney about your specific situation. US federal, state, and local government procedures, fees, and forms change. Always verify current details directly with the relevant agency before acting. For immigration, tax, or other legal matters specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney or BIA-accredited representative.