Immigrants and their families may have a number of important questions related to the impact of a criminal charge, including a felony charge or otherwise, on their immigration status. Felony charges are considered the most serious criminal charges possible. In general, it is important for immigrants to avoid criminal charges.
The impact of criminal charges, including felony charges, on immigration status can be significant. Depending on the immigrant’s current status at the time, the status of the immigrant may be downgrading on the basis of either a felony or non-felony conviction, the type of criminal offense and the facts surrounding the situation. Based on the same circumstances, immigration officials may also deport the immigrant.
Additionally, crimes that are considered aggravated or involving moral turpitude will generally render a non-citizen ineligible for deportation relief and cause them to be barred from every entering the United States again in the future. The term aggravated felony is used uniquely in the immigration system so it is important to understand the crimes included in the category and that fall under the definition according to immigration rules and the immigration process.
There are a variety of examples of crimes that are considered aggravated according to immigration law, as well as those that are considered crimes of moral turpitude according to immigration law. The reality is that any criminal charges can place the immigrant in jeopardy which is why it is important for them to understand the impact of criminal charges on their status and to have trained guidance through the process if they are facing criminal charges and potentially confronted with the deportation process.
Source: Immigration.findlaw.com, “How Does a Felony Affect Immigration Status?” Accessed Aug. 11, 2017