Crimes and U.S. Immigration

Applying for a temporary visa or U.S. permanent residence? Make sure a crime in your past won't disqualify you.

A discussion of how a criminal record affects eligibility for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

Alien smuggling is punishable by fines and prison terms.

Federal law on transporting aliens who are in the U.S. illegally.

Figuring out whether a state criminal conviction matches the federal concept of a crime of moral turpitude.

Even some minor crimes may come in for harsh treatment by the immigration system if they match the description of aggravated felony.

Based on the potential penalty and prison sentence, certain crimes considered "petty," and therefore not crimes of moral turpitude (CMTs).

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.

Applying for a temporary visa or U.S. permanent residence? Make sure a crime in your past won't disqualify you.

Analyzing whether a DUI on the record of a lawful permanent resident will result in inadmissibility.

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.

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.

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.

With a crime on someone's record, there's a good chance that an arrest by immigration authorities will be followed by detention.