Now that you are in the U.S., you probably want to remain here. Unfortunately, some acts can threaten your immigration status. For example, committing or being convicted of certain crimes can result in deportation proceedings.
Many immigrants who are new to the country may not understand our criminal laws and penalties. That means a simple mistake could jeopardize your right to remain in the U.S. Knowing what offenses are deportable could help you avoid any acts that could end your time in California.
Crimes of moral turpitude
One of the most nebulous concepts in immigration law involves the commission of a crime of moral turpitude. The problem with this concept is that it is broadly defined. You will be hard-pressed to find widely accepted examples of such crimes, but immoral or depraved acts typically qualify.
For example, human sex trafficking may be deemed a crime of moral turpitude.
Other deportable offenses
Felony crimes like kidnapping and drug trafficking could lead to deportation proceedings, but generally, it depends on the severity of the offense. For example, terrorism is a felony everywhere in the U.S. Those convicted of inciting or participating in terrorist activities are often deported.
Regardless of your immigration status, you have human rights in America. One of these is the right to legal counsel when facing criminal charges. A well-crafted criminal defense strategy may help you overcome the charges you face, potentially preventing deportation.
If your defense against a serious crime fails, causing the government to initiate deportation, act quickly to protect your right to remain in America.