What actions can lead to a finding of inadmissibility under INA 212?

Being involved in criminal activity or substance offenses can indeed lead to a finding of inadmissibility under INA 212. This law specifies various grounds on which a non-citizen can be deemed inadmissible to the United States, including criminal behavior. Offenses such as drug trafficking, certain types of theft, or violent crimes can trigger this inadmissibility. Such actions are taken seriously by immigration authorities because they pose potential risks to public safety and the welfare of the community. The law aims to protect U.S. citizens and lawful residents from individuals who have demonstrated unlawful behavior that could continue or escalate within the United States.

In contrast, benefiting from family connections, being a non-U.S. citizen, or having a tourist visa application denied do not automatically result in inadmissibility. Family connections may, in fact, aid in an immigration application process, and non-citizens are part of the immigration system unless there are specific violations that lead to inadmissibility. A denied tourist visa can also occur for various reasons unrelated to criminal behavior, such as failing to demonstrate ties to one's home country.