Coming to America is a dream many people have. However, they may not realize upon arrival that their status in the U.S. depends on their actions.
Some things will make deportation a real possibility. Knowing what these are and what your legal rights are is essential to stay in the country.
Crimes of moral turpitude
If you are convicted of a crime that involves moral turpitude within five years of coming to the country and sentenced to a year (or more) of confinement, you may face deportation. Moral turpitude is defined as a crime that “shocks the public conscience.” Some examples of these crimes include:
- Aggravated assault
- Robbery
- Kidnaping
- Voluntary manslaughter
- Murder
All the above requirements must be met for you to be considered deportable.
Multiple criminal convictions
If you are convicted of two or more crimes that involve moral turpitude after entering the U.S., you would also be considered deportable. This is true if the crimes did not occur out of one scheme.
Aggravated felony
If you are an alien and convicted of an aggravated felony, you are considered deportable. In 1994, the number of aggravated felony offenses that would qualify an alien for deportation was increased by the Immigration and Nationality Technical Corrections Act. The offenses included today are murder, trafficking in firearms, controlled substances, or explosive materials, money laundering, theft and burglary, demand or receipt of ransom, child pornography, racketeering and more.
Protecting your rights
If you have immigrated to the U.S., you need to take steps to protect your rights. Knowing the issues that will lead to deportation is the first step. You have legal options and working with someone who understands these laws is recommended for the best possible outcome for your situation.