Immigrants who are lawful permanent residents—also known as green card holders—can work and live in the United States for an indefinite period and enjoy similar rights and privileges that American citizens have. However, a criminal conviction can lead to deportation.
According to U.S. immigration law, an immigrant may be deported from the U.S. if he/she commits one of the following types of crimes:
- A crime of moral turpitude – Although the term isn’t defined in immigration law, a crime of moral turpitude often involved fraud, dishonesty, vile, depraved, or antisocial behavior that harms others. A person can be deported for committing one of these crimes within five years after being admitted into the U.S. or committing two crimes of moral turpitude at any time. Common examples include fraud, burglary, arson, kidnapping, domestic violence, and assault with a deadly weapon.
- Aggravated felony – Common examples of aggravated felonies include murder, rape, felony theft, drug or firearms trafficking, child pornography, sexual abuse of a child, money laundering, treason, and spying.
- Drug crimes – If an immigrant is convicted of possessing, selling, or distributing illegal drugs—other than up to 30 grams of marijuana—he/she could be deported from the U.S.
- Firearm crimes – If an immigrant is convicted of unlawfully purchasing, owning, selling, or carrying a gun or explosive device, he/she could be deported from the U.S.
These are several examples of deportable crimes, which means there are many other crimes that can result in removal proceedings.
If you have been arrested for a criminal offense and face deportation in Boston, contact Brad Bailey Law today at (617) 500-0252 and request a free case review.
