When an American citizen is charged with a crime, he/she faces jail or prison time, fines, and other serious criminal penalties. When an immigrant who is a legal resident in the U.S. is charged with a crime, he/she faces the same consequences, as well as deportation by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)—no matter how long he/she has lived in the country or how well-established his/her life is here.
In 2017, President Donald Trump signed several executive orders regarding immigration, which called for more aggressive enforcement of U.S. immigration laws. Whether an immigrant has been charged with a minor or serious crime, the federal government is dedicated to deporting convicted immigrants.
The following are the most common types of deportable crimes:
- Crimes of moral turpitude (CMTs) – Although U.S. immigration laws do not clearly define a CMT, the most common elements of this crime include theft, fraud, and intent to harm individuals or properties. Common examples include burglary, grand theft and grand theft auto, shoplifting, fraud, aggravated DWI, and, assault with a deadly weapon.
- Aggravated felony – Certain felony offenses can result in deportation. Common examples include homicide, rape, sex crimes involving minors, robbery, felony theft crimes, kidnapping, and arson.
- Drug crimes – According to U.S. immigration laws, nearly all drug offenses can lead to deportation. Common examples include simple possession, possession with intent to sell, sale or distribution, manufacturing, and trafficking.
- Weapons crimes – Getting convicted of a crime involving firearms, destructive devices, or other deadly weapons will result in deportation. You can be deported if you are convicted of illegally using, carrying, owning, buying, selling, or exchanging any firearm.
- Domestic violence – The last category of deportable crimes is domestic violence. Common examples include spousal abuse, child abuse, and restraining order violations.
If you have been charged with a criminal offense in Minneapolis and fear deportation, contact Brockton D. Hunter P.A. today at (612) 979-1112 and schedule a free consultation to discuss your case. Let us review your legal options immediately.