LEGAL

Livingin the USA: What Are Common Deportable Offenses?

Are you a non-citizen of the United States facing deportation? Are you wondering what sort of laws you broke?

Dozens of laws exist to regulate the process of living in America. While most folks abide by the rules, some people break the laws and fall afoul of the legal system.

While subjective, these rules are the rules. When you break the law, you may face deportation.

This guide helps you identify the most common deportable offenses and your options for a Green Card.

Aggravated Felonies

Aggravated felonies are the most serious kinds of offenses under U.S. immigration law. They are punishable with a high degree of severity. These offenses include attempted murder, burglary, drug trafficking, murder, or treason.

When a person is convicted of an aggravated felony, they are usually deported from the U.S. unless they exist under some kind of protected status. This type of offense will also result in the termination of their permanent residency or legal status in the U.S. They’ll be far removed from the country and prohibited from returning.

Even if the offense was committed many years prior to their immigration status, any undocumented individual could be deported for aggravated felonies.

Drug Crime

If you are an immigrant in the United States, being convicted of a drug-related offense can put you in danger of removal from the U.S. It does not matter if the crime happened before or after receiving your immigration status.

All drug crimes that are deportable offenses include any amount of illicit drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, marijuana, and certain prescription drugs.

Depending on the type of drug involved, the length of sentence, and the exact circumstances, a judge may choose to deport someone even if the conviction is for a minor drug crime. Deportable offenses should not be taken lightly, as consequences can be dire.

Firearm Crimes

In the United States, any firearm-related crime can be considered a deportable offense. Firearms can be used during the commission of a crime. This includes robbery, home invasion, or even murder.

They can lead to deportation, which occurs when a person is sent out of the United States for an extended period of time. They will not be allowed to return for a period of time.

The exact type of crime does not have to involve a firearm directly; if a gun was used to facilitate the offense, regardless of whether or not it was fired, the offense could lead to deportation. Due to the severity of the penalties, it is essential to consult with an experienced immigration attorney to understand what rights and options are available.

Domestic Violence Crimes

Domestic Violence Crimes are serious offenses taken very seriously by U.S. immigration laws. They often involve the abuse or assault of family members or intimate partners. Those accused of such crimes can face deportation, as they are deportable offenses under U.S. immigration law.

Common domestic violence crimes that are grounds for deportation include

  • Physical assault
  • Stalking
  • Threats of violence
  • Manipulating a person financially to gain control
  • Any other forms of abuse

These types of offenses are aggressively prosecuted by U.S. law enforcement. They can also result in criminal penalties for those found guilty. Those accused of domestic violence can face jail time, fines, probation, or even deportation.

It is essential to understand that domestic violence is a serious offense that will not be tolerated in the U.S. It can have serious immigration consequences.

Moral Turpitude

Moral turpitude is defined as an offensive behavior that is contrary to justice, honesty, morality, and general accepted standards of good behavior.

When it comes to living in the United States, there are a number of deportable offenses that involve moral turpitude. These can include but are not limited to:

  • Kidnapping
  • Fraud
  • Bribery
  • False swearing
  • Wire fraud
  • Larceny
  • Theft
  • Perjury
  • Drug-related offenses
  • Other serious offenses

For those who have recently come to the United States, it is essential to be aware of the implications of these offenses. Make sure to remain on the right side of the law to avoid any possible immigration issues. Those who are found to be in violation of these laws can face deportation and even possible permanent exclusion from the United States.

Miscellaneous Crimes

Such offenses include solicitation or participation in a criminal street gang, failure to register as a sex offender, false claims to U.S. citizenship, and polygamy. In addition, aliens convicted of domestic violence, interstate violation of a protection order, and lawful permanent residents who have been in the U.S. for at least seven years that are found guilty of an aggravated felony are also deportable.

Those who have been deported for miscellaneous crimes can be subject to fines, denied employment opportunities, and ineligibility to apply for citizenship. Violators may also face felony charges.

Security-Related Crimes

Examples include treason, terrorism, espionage, kidnapping, armed robbery, weapons trafficking, money laundering, and participation in organized crime. Non-U.S. citizens with legal status in the U.S. who are found guilty of any of these offenses will be subject to removal or deportation from the country.

Those accused of any of these offenses and convicted will face significant sanctions, including lengthy jail terms. They will also face criminal penalties, such as fines, forfeiture of assets, restriction of travel, and loss of their legal status, which will lead to deportation.

If you are facing a deportation process and don’t know where to get help, you can find an immigration lawyer here. They can help you get through the process.

Be Aware of the Common Deportable Offenses in the USA

Living in the USA comes with many benefits but also the responsibility of abiding by the laws and regulations to ensure a safe and orderly society. It is essential to know that certain offenses are grounds for deportation. Being aware of these deportable offenses is an important step to ensure a lawful presence in the USA.

Don’t delay! If you or a loved one is facing possible removal, seek legal advice immediately.

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