If you’re an immigrant living in the US, it’s important to understand that certain crimes can lead to deportation. The consequences of deportation can have lasting effects on the individual and their family.
Knowing what could be considered a deportable offense and understanding your legal rights can help you make more informed decisions.
Deportable offenses
The most common type of crime that leads to deportation is an aggravated felony. The Immigration and Nationality Act defines aggravated felonies as any offense that carries a sentence of one year or more in prison, regardless of whether the sentence was actually served.
Crimes that could lead to deportation include:
- Theft
- Failure to appear in court
- Offenses that many states may consider a misdemeanor but are viewed differently under federal law
- Domestic violence
- Drug-related offenses
- Firearms violations
- Certain immigration-related offenses, such as marriage fraud or entering the country illegally.
Committing a deportable crime as an immigrant in the United States can have serious consequences. Depending on the type and severity of the crime, an immigrant may be ineligible for any form of relief from removal, including a visa or lawful status. Additionally, they face possible detention, deportation, or other forms of removal from the United States. In extreme cases, even reentry into the country could be denied.
Immigrants should seek help if they have been charged with a crime so that they can make informed decisions about their case and understand what potential consequences they might face if convicted. Having someone explain how a conviction could impact their ability to remain in the United States can help them determine how best to proceed with their case.