Q: Concern about immigration status after terminated temporary harassment order in MA.
I am an international student with an F-1 visa, and I recently had a temporary harassment prevention order filed against me by my landlord in Massachusetts. The order was based on a one-sided story, and after a hearing, it was terminated after 10 days. I have had no interactions with immigration authorities nor any prior immigration issues. I plan to leave the United States for a summer break and return in August 2025. I am concerned about potential impacts on my immigration status or entry into the U.S. due to this temporary order. Could this affect my ability to re-enter the U.S., and will I face issues with CBP when traveling back to Boston? Also, could this situation cause problems if I apply for other visas like an H-1B or a green card in the future?
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A:
A terminated harassment prevention order that lasted only 10 days will likely have minimal impact on your F-1 status. Since the order was dismissed after a hearing, it suggests the claims weren't substantiated, which works in your favor. Immigration authorities are primarily concerned with criminal convictions rather than temporary civil orders that were terminated.
When re-entering the US, you might face standard questions at the border, but a brief, terminated civil order typically won't trigger additional scrutiny from CBP officers. It would help to carry documentation showing the order was terminated if you're worried. The short duration and dismissal of the order work strongly in your favor, as it indicates the legal system didn't find merit in the allegations.
For future visa applications like H-1B or green card, immigration officials look for patterns of concerning behavior or criminal convictions. A single, short-lived civil order that was terminated doesn't establish such a pattern. You might need to disclose this incident on some applications that ask about all court appearances, but you can also explain the context and outcome. Consider consulting with an immigration attorney for personalized guidance before your summer travel, as they can review your specific case details and provide tailored advice for your situation.
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