Any non-citizen in the U.S. can end up in immigration court. People with green cards must follow U.S. laws just like everyone else. If they do not and depending on how a person breaks the law, they might end up facing deportation.
In some cases, a resident is granted a conditional residence which will expire in 2 years – you need to comply with the conditions and apply to remove them or automatically lose your residency. In other cases, a person commits a crime that is morally wrong- also known as a crime involving moral turpitude or “CIMTs.” Yet a person might also be convicted of an aggravated felony as defined by the Immigration and Nationality Act. The following is a summary of CIMTs and aggravated felonies:
Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMTs): Laws and policies about immigration aren’t clear about which crimes fall into this category, but mainly they are crimes done with the intent to hurt other people or their property. In the end, the U.S. courts will decide which crimes belong in this category. Theft, fraud, and larceny are most common examples of CIMTs. Domestic violence and driving under the influence could also be categorized as CIMTs.
Aggravated Felonies: The term is usually used to classify and punish crimes that go against state law. U.S. immigration authorities will decide if this is a crime that will get you deported or if it is a crime that will make you inadmissible. Drug trafficking, murder, rape, money laundering, sexual abuse of children, perjury, and other crimes are all considered to be more serious types of aggravated felonies.
At the J. Molina Law Firm, we work to protect your American Dream. If you are facing deportation or criminal charges that may lead to deportation, call us at (469) 708-5800 to schedule your confidential consultation with an expert deportation defense attorney, or book your appointment online! We can help you.
