Crimes and U.S. Immigration
Whether committed in the U.S. or overseas, a crime on someone's record can have a serious negative affect on the chances of successfully immigrating to the United States. It can also result in the deportation of someone who already has a nonimmigrant visa or a green card, or the destruction of his or her hopes of becoming a U.S. citizen. Learn more here.
How a Criminal Record Affects Eligibility for U.S. Citizenship
How a Criminal Record Affects Eligibility for U.S. Citizenship
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Applying for a temporary visa or U.S. permanent residence? Make sure a crime in your past won't disqualify you.
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Will a Green Card Holder With a DUI Be Allowed to Reenter the U.S.?
A discussion of how a criminal record affects eligibility for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.
Other Immigration-Related Criminal Issues
Other Immigration-Related Criminal Issues
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Smuggling Noncitizens Into the U.S.: Possible Legal Consequences
Alien smuggling is punishable by fines and prison terms.
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Is It Illegal to Transport an Undocumented Immigrant Within the U.S.?
Federal law on transporting aliens who are in the U.S. illegally.
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What’s a Crime of Moral Turpitude According to U.S. Immigration Law?
Figuring out whether a state criminal conviction matches the federal concept of a crime of moral turpitude.
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What's an Aggravated Felony According to U.S. Immigration Law?
Even some minor crimes may come in for harsh treatment by the immigration system if they match the description of aggravated felony.
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When the Petty Offense Exception Excuses a Crime of Moral Turpitude
Based on the potential penalty and prison sentence, certain crimes considered "petty," and therefore not crimes of moral turpitude (CMTs).
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How Helping a Relative Cross the Border May Hurt Green Card Status or Citizenship Eligibility
Providing any sort of assistance in bringing a family member to the U.S. may be considered alien smuggling, a possible bar to your own future immigration plans.
How a Criminal Record Affects Eligibility for Visas or Green Cards
MoreHow a Criminal Record Affects Eligibility for Visas or Green Cards
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Applying for a temporary visa or U.S. permanent residence? Make sure a crime in your past won't disqualify you.
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Will a Green Card Holder With a DUI Be Allowed to Reenter the U.S.?
Analyzing whether a DUI on the record of a lawful permanent resident will result in inadmissibility.
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Information on Social Media Can Get Immigrants Deported or Denied Entry
As a prospective visitor or immigrant to the U.S., when participating on social media, make sure to not post anything to lead the U.S. government to believe you have committed a crime, are affiliated with a criminal or terrorist organization, or committed visa fraud.
How a Criminal Record Can Result in Deportation of Visa or Green Card Holders
MoreHow a Criminal Record Can Result in Deportation of Visa or Green Card Holders
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Crimes That Will Make an Immigrant Deportable
A summary of the types of crimes listed within the U.S. immigration laws as making a visa or green card holder subject to removal.
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Immigration Risks of Pleading Guilty or No Contest
Given the risk of deportation, any visa or green card holder within the U.S. needs to consider carefully the consequences of a guilty or no contest plea.
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Mandatory Detention: When U.S. Immigration and Customs May Hold a Noncitizen Without Bond
With a crime on someone's record, there's a good chance that an arrest by immigration authorities will be followed by detention.
More Legal Topics
- Citizenship Seekers
- Employers Sponsoring or Hiring Immigrant Workers
- Family Sponsors Petitioning for Immigrants
- Immigrants Seeking Visas, Asylum, and Green Cards
- International Travel and Residence and U.S. Taxes
- Living as an Immigrant in California
- Noncitizens in Deportation or Removal Proceedings
- U.S. Immigration Law: The Big Picture
- Citizenship Seekers
- Employers Sponsoring or Hiring Immigrant Workers
- Family Sponsors Petitioning for Immigrants
- Immigrants Seeking Visas, Asylum, and Green Cards
- International Travel and Residence and U.S. Taxes
- Living as an Immigrant in California
- Noncitizens in Deportation or Removal Proceedings
- U.S. Immigration Law: The Big Picture