Having a green card opens up great opportunities. It may help entrepreneurs grow a business or individuals keep families together. However, a criminal charge can take all of that away overnight.
Because the U.S. immigration system treats criminal convictions very strictly, understanding these rules is vital for protecting a person’s future in the country. This short blog explains the serious risks green card holders face when dealing with the criminal justice system.
Convictions may lead to deportation
Under U.S. law, a green card does not completely protect someone from being deported. If a green card holder gets a criminal conviction, immigration officials can start the removal process. While many offenses can trigger this, certain types of crimes carry the highest risk of deportation:
- Aggravated felonies: Even though this label sounds violent, immigration law applies it to many non-violent crimes too. This includes theft, fraud or tax evasion if the crime involves a certain amount of money.
- Crimes involving moral turpitude: Immigration law defines these as dishonest or immoral acts. Examples include forgery, grand theft and some types of assault.
- Drug-related offenses: Illegal drug convictions almost always lead to deportation. The law makes only one small exception: a single charge for possessing 30 grams or less of marijuana.
- Domestic violence and child abuse: Convictions for domestic abuse, stalking, child neglect or breaking a protective order give the government automatic grounds to deport someone.
Even if a local judge only requires a light sentence, probation or a diversion program, immigration officials see things differently. What looks like a minor crime on a record can quickly turn into a reason for deportation.
Stay informed for a solid defense
People facing criminal charges or dealing with a past conviction must act quickly. Criminal law and immigration law overlap in complicated ways, meaning a normal defense plan can accidentally lead to deportation. Understanding how a plea deal affects immigration status may help people avoid choices that put their life in the U.S. at risk.