Immigration and Crimes that Could Lead to Deportation
If you are a non-citizen living in the United States, it is important that you follow all laws and expectations. While the possibility of prison and fines are daunting to anyone, for immigrants the stakes are much higher. That’s because criminal activity, in some cases, could result in deportation. There are multiple rules set out by the Immigration and Nationality Act that could lead to deportation (or inadmissibility) of non-citizens. What types of criminal actions could lead to immigration problems? Here are some of the most common issues that could:
Crimes of Moral Turpitude
Crimes of Moral Turpitude are those that are considered depraved or vile, those that society cannot tolerate as they violate conventional rules of morality. There are two criteria related to deportation when it comes to crimes of moral turpitude:
- If an immigrant in the United States commits a crime of moral turpitude within five years of being admitted to the U.S., it is grounds for deportation. That time frame is ten years for someone who has permanent resident status.
- If the crime has a maximum penalty of one year of incarceration or more.
Both benchmarks must be met in order to be deemed deportable immediately.
Aggravated Felonies
Deportation can occur at any point after a non-citizen enters the country, regardless of immigration status, if convicted of an aggravated felony.
High Speed Flight
Non-citizens who are engaged in a high-speed flight from any immigration checkpoint can be immediately deported.
Drug Charges
Any drug charges—apart from a single charge of having 30 grams or less of marijuana for personal use—is a deportable offense. Being an addict or user of drugs outside this exclusion can lead to deportation.
Firearm Charges
Buying, selling, using, trading, or carrying a firearm, accessory or device that could be destructive in violation of state or federal law can be deported.
DV and More
Convictions related to domestic violence, child abuse/neglect/abandonment, or stalking could lead to deportation. Even violating a protective order is a deportable offense.
Compliance Failures
Neglecting to comply with required change of address registration, or falsifying documents related to permits, visas, and related entry documentation, could lead to deportation.
False Claims of Citizenship
Falsely representing oneself as a U.S. citizen in order to get some sort of benefit is a deportable offense.
Voting
Voting in a local, state, or federal election for a person, ordinance, regulation, or constitutional provision is a deportable offense.
Advocating for You
The dedicated Miami immigration criminal defense attorneys at The Law Office of Julia Kefalinos always fight for the best possible outcomes for you. To discuss your situation, schedule a confidential consultation in our Miami office today.
Source:
uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title8-section1227&num=0&edition=prelim
