Immigration Consequences of Criminal Convictions

Some of the most difficult immigration cases are those involving criminal convictions, particularly convictions from an individual’s distant past. Say, for example, that you are a lawful permanent resident (LPR), committed a theft offense at the age of 21, and accepted a plea bargain so that you would not have to serve any jail time. What seemed like the most logical approach can turn into a ticking time bomb. Years later, you take a vacation to the Bahamas and, upon re-entering the United States, are detained for having committed an aggravated felony. Unfortunately, many people are under the assumption that if the penalty for committing a crime was satisfied in full (for example, a jail sentence, probation, community service, etc.), there will not be any immigration consequences. This misunderstanding leads people to do two things that can result in serious immigration consequences: 1) travel outside of the United States and 2) file for permanent residence, citizenship, or other immigration benefits within the United States.

Aggravated Felony

Conviction of an aggravated felony can result in, among other things, an individual’s detention, revocation of a green card, and a permanent bar to a finding of good moral character. Determining whether a criminal conviction is an aggravated felony for immigration purposes involves a detailed analysis of the offense itself, the record of conviction, and the sentence imposed by the court (typically, a sentence of greater than one year of imprisonment must be imposed, regardless of time actually served). These factors are compared with the definition in the Immigration and Nationality Act of an aggravated felony and case law on the subject. If it is determined that the conviction meets the definition of an aggravated felony, immigration relief is limited, but not necessarily impossible to obtain. An application for relief under the Convention Against Torture (CAT) may be filed and requires the applicant to demonstrate that there is at least a 51% chance that the applicant will be tortured if returned to his/her home country. Each individual’s background must be examined to determine the likelihood of success on a CAT claim.

Crime Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMT)

Conviction of a CIMT can also result in an individual’s detention, revocation of a green card, and difficulties establishing good moral character. Determining whether a criminal conviction is a CIMT involves a detailed analysis of the offense itself, the record of conviction, and the sentence imposed by the court. Typically, moral turpitude involves conduct that is contrary to the general standards of justice, morality, etc. Any conviction for crimes related to murder, theft, and variations of these crimes usually have some element of moral turpitude. A key difference in the classification of a conviction as a CIMT as opposed to an aggravated felony is the greater number of remedies available to deal with a CIMT. Waivers, the petty offense exception, and cancellation of removal are examples of relief that may be present before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (formerly INS) and/or immigration court.

Attacking a Criminal Conviction

If no immigration relief is available, it may be necessary to seek post-conviction relief in the court where an individual was convicted. The goal in such actions is to have a conviction vacated altogether or the sentence reduced. This may then make it possible to file for immigration relief. Common reasons for attacking a criminal conviction include ineffective assistance of counsel, lack of due process, and misinformation given about immigration consequences of a conviction.

If you have been convicted of a crime and are unsure of the immigration consequences, it is important to consult with a knowledgeable immigration attorney. It is particularly important to do this prior to filing any applications with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, filing for relief before immigration court, attending a green card or citizenship interview, or traveling outside of the United States.