If you are living and working in California on a green card, you might be one of the many who live in constant fear of deportation. Having to leave America and return to your former nation is something many dread.
In most situations, you must break the law before the authorities can initiate removal procedures. For example, marriage fraud, a common tactic for those wishing to acquire permanent U.S. residency, is against the laws of immigration. If you get caught engaging in marriage fraud, deportation is a likely consequence.
Crimes that might lead to deportation
In immigration law, marriage fraud is not always easy to prove because neither party wants to admit their involvement. However, many other crimes can also place you at risk of deportation:
- Moral turpitude crimes: Typically involving violence, examples of such crimes include murder, sex crimes, kidnapping, etc.
- Aggravated felonies: Examples of deportable aggravated felonies include drug trafficking, firearm trafficking, racketeering, etc.
- Domestic violence: Those caught engaging in domestic violence or even stalking could face removal procedures.
- Other crimes: Engaging in treason, sedition, espionage and similar crimes, especially against the federal government, can lead to deportation. Removal from the U.S. is also likely if you engage in international or domestic terrorism.
If you get arrested for these or other crimes and are an immigrant, you will benefit greatly from immediate legal assistance. An advocate with experience in criminal defense and immigration law can work on your behalf to minimize the odds of deportation.
For those who are relatively new to America and still unfamiliar with its laws, learning more about deportable offenses can help you avoid trouble before it has a chance to arise.