| Sep 19, 2022 | Green Card
Each year, thousands of foreign nationals earn the privilege to legally live and work in the U.S. While the green card offers its holder plenty of opportunities, it is important to understand that it comes with a set of conditions. One of these conditions is respect for both state and federal laws.
According to U.S. law, certain crimes can lead to the revocation of your green card and subsequent removal from the country. Here are some of these crimes:
Crimes of moral turpitude (CMT)
This is, without a doubt, the first significant group of crimes that can lead to your deportation. And while the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) does not expressly define what amounts to a crime of moral turpitude, both California and federal courts define these as crimes that impinge on your duties to other people and the general society. These crimes include theft, dishonesty and deliberate intent to harm other people. Examples of crimes of moral turpitude include burglary, kidnapping, arson, fraud, assault with a deadly weapon or repeat felony DUI convictions.
Aggravated felonies
Certain felonies can lead to your deportation from the United States. And unlike crimes of moral turpitude, the Immigration and Nationality Act specifies crimes that amount to aggravated felonies. Some of these crimes include rape, murder, child pornography, drug and firearm trafficking, serious tax evasion and money laundering. A conviction for any of these crimes can almost certainly result in your deportation regardless of the number of years you have lived in the country.
If you hold a green card and you are charged with a crime, it should concern you how a conviction will impact your immigration status. Find out how you can defend yourself and safeguard your rights if you are facing potential deportation from the U.S.
