The United States is a large and diverse country, recognized for its economic strength, cultural impact, and dedication to democratic values. It is a nation founded on immigration, providing opportunities for people from all around the world to live, work, and create a better future. With its strong legal system and emphasis on national security, the US expects non-citizens to follow its laws carefully.
However, committing certain offenses can have serious immigration consequences. Even legal residents or visa holders may face removal from the country if they are convicted of specific crimes. So, what crimes are eligible for deportation?
In this article, we’ll explore five offenses that could put your immigration status at risk and explain how the US handles these situations.
- Drug Offenses
Drug crimes are one of the top reasons for deportation. If you are caught with illegal drugs, even in small amounts, you could be removed from the country. The law does not go easy on drug crimes. Possession, sale, trafficking, or even helping someone with a drug crime can put your immigration status at risk.
Some states allow marijuana for medical or personal use. But under federal law, marijuana is still illegal. Immigration courts follow federal rules. So even if your state allows it, a drug charge could lead to deportation.
- Domestic Violence
If someone is found guilty of domestic violence, they may be deported. This includes hitting or threatening a partner or family member or even breaking a restraining order. The US immigration system regards these actions as significant threats to safety.
Even for a first offense, a domestic violence conviction can lead to immediate deportation. The law also addresses crimes such as stalking or child neglect. Immigration law does not allow for second chances in cases of family violence.
- Aggravated Felonies
The term “aggravated felony” may seem specific, but in immigration law, it encompasses a broad range of crimes. This includes offenses such as murder, rape, sexual abuse, drug trafficking, and fraud involving amounts exceeding $10,000. Many of these crimes almost always result in deportation.
It’s important to understand that even if your state doesn’t label a crime as “aggravated,” immigration law may still classify it as such. This can be confusing because immigration judges operate under different guidelines. Once you are convicted of an aggravated felony, you typically cannot return to the US.
- Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMTs)
This legal term may sound complicated, but it refers to crimes that go against fundamental moral values. Examples of these crimes include theft, fraud, and intentional acts of violence. If you are convicted of one crime involving moral turpitude (CIMT) within five years of your arrival in the US, or two such crimes at any time, you could face deportation.
CIMTs are tricky because not all crimes clearly fall into this category. Immigration judges decide cases on a case-by-case basis. Even shoplifting or lying to get benefits could be counted as CIMTs. These crimes don’t need to be big to have significant consequences.
- Firearms Offenses
Owning or using a gun the wrong way can also get you deported. This includes illegal gun possession, selling guns without a license, and using a firearm while committing another crime. Many people think that gun rights are protected, but those rights don’t always apply to non-citizens.
Even if you have a green card, breaking gun laws can cause significant problems with immigration. A single firearms offense can lead to removal, especially if it involves violence or gang activity. US law takes gun crimes very seriously.
Conclusion
Facing deportation is a life-changing event. Many people don’t know that even small mistakes can lead to removal from the US. If you’re not a citizen, it’s essential to understand how serious criminal charges can affect your stay. The law is clear: some crimes have consequences far beyond jail time.