Despite strict immigration laws, the US still has some of the highest numbers of migrants. Yet even with this flow of migrants, deportation remains a grave concern. The sole reason is that the authorities enforce stringent immigration laws. You could be struggling with immigration issues. If so, please get in touch with an immigration lawyer to understand what crimes can result in your deportation. Meanwhile, here are some of the crimes that can result in deportation.
Table of Contents
1. Aggravated Felonies
Immigration laws regard aggravated felonies as grounds for deportation. “Aggravated felony” today means that Congress views an offense as aggravated. Previously, around 1988, aggravated felonies only referred to murder, illicit firearm and destructive device trafficking, and drug trafficking. However, the best criminal immigration lawyer reveals that this has evolved into more than 30 crimes. New offenses include falsified tax returns, failure to appear in court, theft, and battery.
Sadly, deportation as a result of an aggravated felony can cost you badly. It can have the following repercussions:
- You could be deported without a removal hearing if you are not a lawful permanent resident
- You could be forcefully detained without review if you are released from criminal custody
- You can fail to be eligible for asylum
- Failure to be eligible for particular inadmissibility-related waivers
- Failure to be eligible for voluntary departure
- You could be permanently inadmissible if you are deported from the United States
- Serious penalties if you ever reenter the United States, like a 20-year sentence when the sentence should be two years.
An aggravated felony is by far the most grievous ground for deportation. So, talk to an immigration lawyer if you risk deportation on this ground.
2. Convictions of Crime(s) of Moral Turpitude
According to the best immigration lawyers, crimes involving moral turpitude, like aggravated felonies, could also have you deported. Even if it’s a single offense of moral turpitude, provided you have committed it within five years of admission, you risk deportation. An immigration attorney clarifies that this happens if your crime is punishable by at least one year of imprisonment. Deportation is applicable in this case, the date or sentence notwithstanding.
Common offenses that amount to moral turpitude include fraud, certain assaults, and even theft, all of which can lead to your deportation. The immigration law regards these crimes as morally reprehensible.
3. Controlled Substance Convictions
The best immigration attorneys warn that if you’re convicted of violating any controlled substance-related offense, you risk deportation. However, there are a few exceptions. Crimes involving controlled substances also amount to moral turpitude crimes and aggravated felonies. Therefore, you will have relief to avoid deportation if you are faced with a controlled substance crime.
4. Domestic Violence
The best immigration lawyer warns that your residency status cannot save you if you are charged with domestic violence. It also means that, as an immigrant, the authorities can swiftly deport you if you violate specific domestic violence protection orders.
5. Firearms Convictions
Some firearms, according to the advice of an immigration lawyer, can trigger deportation. If authorities find you in possession of illegal firearms, they can promptly deport you.
Conclusion
As an immigrant, you ought to understand these triggers of deportation. Fortunately, you do not have to fight alone. The best immigration attorneys could come to your rescue. These attorneys understand the legal landscape and can help you navigate the complexities around deportation.
Also, understand the consequences of each crime that could lead to your deportation. Read Section 237(a)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). It contains deportation triggers and related grounds. Knowledge of deportation grounds will help you seek timely legal advice. With the necessary knowledge, you can also stand up for your rights and keep yourself on the right side of the law.