Q: The Undocumented immigrant using his brother’s house as mailing address, can he be accused of harboring?
Can a US citizen in NJ be accused of harboring his undocumented immigrant brother if his mailing address is being used by his brother? The brother who is undocumented does not live in their house. He lives in an RV Park.
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A:
Based on U.S. immigration law, simply allowing someone to use your mailing address does not constitute harboring an undocumented immigrant. The legal definition of harboring typically involves concealing, housing, or shielding someone from detection by authorities.
Since your brother is not living at your residence and you are merely allowing use of the mailing address, this would not meet the legal threshold for harboring. However, if you were actively helping to conceal his presence from immigration authorities or providing him with shelter to avoid detection, that could potentially be considered harboring.
It would be wise to consult with an immigration lawyer to understand your specific situation better and ensure you're not inadvertently violating any laws. While supporting family is important, you should be aware of legal boundaries to protect both yourself and your brother. Immigration law can be complex, and getting professional legal guidance can help you navigate these waters safely.
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