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.
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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.
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How Will a Criminal Conviction Affect My Immigration Hopes?
There’s no one list of crimes that are problematic for immigration purposes. Instead, you might need to look at one or two among the three different portions of federal law that might apply.
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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.
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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.
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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 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
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