Which Criminal Offenses Can Result in Deportation?

If you are living in the United States and are not a citizen, it is critical that you comply with the laws of the country. If you do not, you will face harsh consequences, which may include deportation. One of the most common reasons immigrants are placed into deportation proceedings is because they are convicted of a criminal offense. Below, our Atlanta deportation defense lawyer outlines some of the most common crimes that can result in removal proceedings.

Crimes of Moral Turpitude

Crimes of moral turpitude, sometimes called CMTs, are offenses that involve fraud, dishonesty, violence, and theft. Still, there is no one exhaustive list of CMTs. Some of the offenses the courts have determined are CMTs include:

• Theft and larceny
• Fraud and embezzlement
• Assault and battery
• Sexual offenses

Crimes of moral turpitude are particularly likely to result in deportation if the offense was committed within five years of your admission to the U.S. or if you have been convicted of more than one CMT.

Aggravated Felonies

Aggravated felonies are another primary category of deportable crimes. These are outlined in the Immigration and Nationality Act and they include:

• Rape and sexual abuse
• Murder
• Money laundering and tax evasion
• Drug trafficking
• Fraud and bribery
• Domestic violence and child abuse

If you are deported due to a conviction for an aggravated felony, you may also be barred from entering the country in the future.

Drug Crimes 

Drug offenses are also viewed very seriously in immigration law and can result in removal proceedings. The majority of drug offenses are grounds for deportation, even if they do not involve distribution on a large scale. Some of the most common deportable drug crimes include:

• Possession of drugs, except small amount of cannabis for personal use
• Drug trafficking
• Drug manufacturing
• Violent offenses related to drugs

Offenses Related to Firearms

Violating either state or federal firearm laws can lead to deportation. These offenses are taken very seriously and immigration law does not make any exception for immigrants involved in unlawful firearm activities. Some of the most common firearm offenses that can lead to deportation proceedings include:

• Violence involving firearms
• Trafficking in firearms
• Possession of unlawful firearms

Violations of Immigration Law

There are certain violations of immigration law that can also result in deportation, even if they are not categorized as a crime. The most common of these include:

• Reentering the country after deportation
• Entering the country without inspection
• Overstaying a visa
• Marriage fraud
• Document fraud
• Visa fraud

Our Deportation Defense Lawyer in Atlanta Can Help with Your Case

There are many different offenses that can result in removal from the U.S. Fortunately, there are also a number of defenses available that can help you stay in the country. Our Atlanta deportation defense lawyer can advise on what those are and build a strategy that can give you the best chance of a successful outcome. To schedule a consultation to discuss your case and needs, please call Shirazi Immigration Law, Inc. today at 404-523-3611. We serve clients in Moultrie, Atlanta, and Dalton, GA as well as Chattanooga, TN.

Source:

uscis.gov/laws-and-policy/legislation/immigration-and-nationality-act