The United States government, through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), has the authority to deport individuals if they are found to be in violation of immigration laws or criminal statutes.
Immigrants, even those who have citizenship status, can face deportation if they are convicted of certain serious crimes or if they violate specific terms of their immigration status.
What white-collar crimes can lead to deportation?
Most white-collar crimes fall under the crimes involving moral turpitude category, which can lead to deportation. These crimes are considered serious offenses and may include:
Fraud: Deceptive practices to secure financial or personal gain, such as securities fraud or insurance fraud.
Embezzlement: Misappropriation of funds and resources entrusted to one’s care, such as by an employee or public official.
Money laundering: Attempting to cover up the origins of illegally obtained money, typically through complex financial transactions.
Tax evasion: Illegally avoiding tax payments, such as by underreporting income or falsifying deductions.
Identity theft: Stealing personal information to commit financial fraud or other illegal activities.
Bribery and corruption: Offering or receiving something of value to influence actions or decisions improperly.
Convictions for these crimes can affect an immigrant’s status and lead to deportation, based on the seriousness of the offense and its impact on immigration laws.
Can you challenge a deportation?
In some cases, it may be possible to lodge an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and seek a review of the deportation order. Grounds for appeal can include procedural errors during the original proceedings, lack of sufficient evidence to support the deportation, or the argument that the deportation would result in extreme hardship for the individual or their family.
However, these appeals are complex, and if you are considering filing one, seeking knowledgeable legal guidance can help you evaluate your options and manage the process effectively.