If you’re a permanent resident or you hold a visa a green card, then you have most of the rights that any full American citizen would have. You can work in the U.S. and you can legally live here. However, there are specific crimes in California that can lead to deportation and removal from the country. In some cases, you could be permanently banned from every coming back. Read on to learn more and then contact Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 for a free case evaluation if you’ve been charged with a crime in California.
It all comes down to the Immigration and Nationality Act
The INA, which stands for Immigration and Nationally Act, sets out the specifics of who can be deported for committing crimes. A non-citizen can be deported if they are convicted of certain crimes. It doesn’t matter how long they’ve been here, whether or not they have dependent children who are full citizens, if they have a green card, or if they have asylum.
It doesn’t even matter if they are permanent residents – there are some crimes that a person can be deported for if they are not a citizen of the United States. Not all crimes are in the deportable crimes category but your criminal defense attorney can help you understand if a crime you’re accuse of is.
There are five categories of deportable crimes
In California, there are five categories of deportable crimes:
- Firearm crimes: If you’re convicted of illegally selling, possessing, buying, or carrying a firearm then you could be deported.
- Drug crimes: If you’re convicted of selling, possessing, or distributing drugs then you could be deported. There is an exception made for fewer than 30 grams of marijuana.
- Domestic violence: Whether a felony or a misdemeanor, domestic violence is a deportable crime.
- Aggravated felonies: This includes murder, stalking, child abuse, rape, and other crimes of violence.
- Crimes against the US or it citizens: This includes treason, terrorism, or espionage.
Recent changes to immigration policy mean you need an attorney
Thanks to recent changes in the United States’ immigration policy, ICE can open proceedings for deportation on both legal and illegal immigrants, provided they’ve been convicted of a crime. In some cases, they can move forward even if you have only been accused of a crime. If you have been arrested for or charged with a crime and you are not a U.S. Citizen then you need an attorney as soon as possible. There is more at stake than you may realize.
Get a free case evaluation today
Today is the day to call Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 to find out what your options are. We’ll start with a free case evaluation during which we’ll get the basics from you. Everything you tell us is fully confidential. We can then assess your needs and let you know what your options are. We are here to help you fight charges and fight deportation. Call today for more information.
