If you are a lawful permanent resident on a visa or green card in the United States, you could face deportation for a variety of reasons. Naturalization as a citizen is the only way to avoid deportation in case of criminal conviction. In the same time, it’s worthy to note that not all crimes carry deportation as a penalty for legal immigrants. Here is a list of the crimes that can result in deportation and termination of your lawful permanent resident status. If you encounter any situations that endanger your permanent resident status, it’s always best to contact an experienced immigration lawyer immediately. Our deportation defense lawyer in Atlanta, GA is here to handle all of your sensitive immigration questions.
Can a permanent resident be deported?
Any immigrant living in the United States can be deported for violating U.S. immigration laws, regardless of their permanent residence status. Green card holders can and do end up being deported due to a variety of reasons. There are plenty of criminal convictions that are deportable offenses, which also come with the denial of any chance to become naturalized as a citizen. Immigrants with a valid green card and refugees which were granted asylum can also be deported for certain criminal offenses, so it’s imperative to understand the consequences of a conviction before going into a plea bargain or any form of agreement. Contacting our award-winning immigration lawyer in Atlanta, GA is the first step to preparing your legal defense.
The Immigration and Nationality Act includes a list of deportable offenses, which fall under different categories: crimes of moral turpitude, domestic violence crimes, firearms offenses, drug offenses and aggravated felonies.
Aggravated Felonies
Aggravated felonies are specified in the Immigration and Nationality Act and include violent crimes, bribery, arms trafficking, money laundering, drug trafficking, abuse of a minor and other serious crimes. Many of these felonies overlap with crimes of moral turpitude.
Crimes of Moral Turpitude
Crimes of moral turpitude are not defined precisely in immigration law. These crimes generally refer to actions that are shocking in nature and often involve dishonesty. Theft, perjury, embezzlement and fraud are examples of crimes of moral turpitude. Crimes that are shocking in nature can include criminal threads, burglary, arson and others.
Firearms Offenses
Conviction due to a firearms offense carries the potential for deportation. Firearms offenses can include carrying, trafficking, selling or purchasing firearms illegally. It’s important to note that immigrants are more likely to be deported due to these offenses.
Drug Offenses
The Immigration and Nationality Act stipulates that just about any offense which involves controlled substances can lead to deportation of the perpetrator. Possession of less than 30g of marijuana, for example, is not a deportable crime. Drug convictions are incredibly common among citizens and immigrants alike.
Domestic violence
Domestic violence is a deportable offense. Domestic violence crimes can include child neglect, abandonment, child abuse, stalking, as well as any violent crime committed against a current or former spouse, cohabiting person or co-parent.
Can a Permanent Resident be Deported for a Misdemeanor?
Yes, permanent residents can be deported for pleading guilty or getting convicted of a misdemeanor, if the prosecutor and judge sees it as a crime of moral turpitude. Examples can include, but are not limited to: violating a restraining order, domestic violence offenses, drug crimes and others.
If you are facing any issues regarding your immigration status, it’s always best to have an experienced immigration lawyer in your corner. Contact BCA Law firm today – we are here to answer all your sensitive immigration questions.
