Criminal charges can have serious implications for your immigration status in the United States. Whether you are a legal permanent resident, a refugee, or hold a temporary visa, understanding these effects is crucial. Here, we delve into how different criminal convictions can impact your ability to stay in the country.
Aggravated felonies and moral turpitude
Aggravated felonies pose significant risks to non-citizens. This category includes a range of offenses that can lead to deportation. Crimes like murder, drug trafficking, and even some misdemeanors fall under this label. If convicted of an aggravated felony, you may face immediate deportation. Moreover, you become ineligible for most forms of relief from removal.
Crimes involving moral turpitude also carry severe consequences. These crimes violate accepted moral standards and can render you inadmissible. Offenses like fraud, theft, and certain violent crimes fall into this category. A conviction can prevent you from reentering the U.S. and affect your current immigration status.
Effects on different immigration statuses
Your immigration status determines how criminal charges affect you. Legal permanent residents (LPRs) may face deportation and detention during removal proceedings. If deported, an LPR can face a permanent bar from reentering the U.S. without special permission. Refugees and asylees, while protected, can still face deportation for serious crimes. Non-citizens with temporary lawful status risk losing their status for any felony or multiple misdemeanors. Undocumented immigrants face deportation for any criminal offense.
Seeking legal assistance
If you face criminal charges, seeking legal advice is essential. An immigration attorney can help you understand your options and potential defenses. They can guide you through the complexities of immigration law and help you navigate the consequences of a conviction.
Criminal charges can drastically alter your immigration journey. Understanding these impacts and seeking timely legal counsel can help protect your future in the United States. Whether you are at risk of deportation or facing barriers to citizenship, knowing your rights and options is vital.