For foreign nationals entering the U.S., they have many hopes and dreams. For many, they aspire to remain in the country, either as a permanent resident or obtain citizenship. No matter their plans to be in America, immigrants must comply with the requirements surrounding his or her status. Thus, if an immigrant fails to uphold these, by committing a criminal act, he or she could be at risk for deportation.
When an immigrant is in the U.S. on a green card or a visa, the last thing he or she wants to do is commit a felony. When an immigrant faces a felony charge, there is a greater chance that immigration officials could deport or downgrade his or her status. Even more so, a non-felony charge could have significant impact and can depend on the current status of the accused.
If an immigrant is convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude or an aggravated felony, this could result in harsh consequences for an immigrant. Generally, he or she will be ineligible for relief from deportation. This means that he or she will be barred from reentering the U.S. in the future.
Aggravated felonies that could result in deportation include murder, federal drug trafficking, illicit trafficking of firearms and incendiary devices. simple battery, theft, filing a fraudulent tax return, failure to appear in court. Crimes of moral turpitude include perjury, tax evasion, wire fraud, carrying a concealed weapon and child abuse.
Immigrant or not, those facing felony charges should understand the matter at hand. This can help the accused take a proper stance, helping them reduce and even dismiss the charges against them.