Understanding When the Commission of a Crime Becomes Grounds for Deportation for Non-citizens in the U.S.

The best advice for non-citizens living in the United States is to avoid criminal activity. Committing a crime could result in deportation.

There are several reasons why a non-citizen may be deported. Committing a crime is a major one. However, making a mistake and doing something unlawful does not always end in removal from the country. U.S. immigration law can be nuanced and complex. For this reason, having an attorney assisting you if you are concerned about deportation and you want to protect your status can be advantageous to safeguard your rights and standing within the United States.

The Atlanta deportation defense attorneys at Shirazi Immigration Law, Inc. have more than 20 years of experience helping non-citizens with their immigration needs. Along with a dedicated and compassionate staff, the team at Shirazi Immigration Law, Inc. is prepared and committed to helping non-citizens. This includes defending against removal from the country. If you are facing deportation, call an attorney at Shirazi Immigration Law, Inc., for assistance.

Committing Crimes and Grounds for Deportation 

Committing crimes is a big problem if you are a non-citizen as criminal acts can be grounds for deportation. Figuring out what crimes will lead to removal from the country can be complicated because the crimes that are listed under U.S. immigration law tend to be defined in broad terms. Therefore, there are some factors that are used to determine if a crime can be considered grounds for deportation.

First, a crime will be evaluated to see if it is one of moral turpitude. Essentially, this means that a dishonest or immoral act has happened that shocks the conscience of a community due to its depravity. If so, then if one crime of moral turpitude has been committed five years since a non-citizen entered the country and would be punishable by one or more years of prison time, deportation may result. Or, if two or more crimes of moral turpitude have been committed separately from each other and not in connection with a single scheme of criminality, then you may be deported.

Next, the question would be determining if the crime is an aggravated felony. It only takes one conviction for an aggravated felony to be the reason why you are deported.

Last, the crime will be assessed, and if it exists on the list of crimes that are grounds for deportation, then you may be deported. Drug crimes, child abuse, or human trafficking are examples of such crimes.

Even though there are laws that govern how a court should analyze a crime concerning deportation, that does not mean that each court does so in the same way. Courts across the country are known for varied interpretations of the laws. The outcome of your case can also depend on the court where it is being heard.

Speak with an Atlanta Immigration Attorney Today 

You may be concerned about how your conviction can impact your ability to stay in the United States. This is understandable. Committing a crime could be the reason why you are removed from the country. The type of crime you commit and the court where your case is heard matter when it comes to whether you are allowed to stay or not.

For a consultation to discuss your needs and case, please call Shirazi Immigration Law, Inc. today at 404-523-3611. One of our Atlanta, GA, immigration lawyers is here for you and ready to help.

Source:

ilrc.org/sites/default/files/resources/n.7-crimes_involving_moral_turpitude.pdf