Living and working as an immigrant in the United States can sometimes leave an individual feeling insecure. What is a minor offense for most U.S. citizens may be grounds for deportation for immigrants.
However, not every legal infraction leads to a deportation process.
Grounds for deportation
Deportation is the formal removal of a non-citizen from the country where they reside, usually due to violating either immigration or criminal laws. Reasons for deportation may include:
- Entering the country illegally
- Overstaying their visa
- Violating the terms of their visa, such as entering on a tourist visa and finding employment without a work permit
- Moral turpitude
- Aggravated felonies
- Violations involving controlled substances
- Firearm offenses
- Domestic violence
- Crimes against children
A person may also be deported if they are considered to be a threat to national security, such as engaging in terrorist activities, espionage or any activity that endangers the public. Providing false or fraudulent documentation during the immigration process is another reason for deportation.
Minor infractions, such as a speeding ticket or littering, typically aren’t grounds for deportation unless they accumulate over time and show a pattern of criminal behavior.
Understanding why someone may be deported back to their country of origin is crucial for any immigrant living and working in the United States. Furthermore, once someone has been deported, they may not be allowed to return.
The deportation process typically involves appearing before an immigration judge in court. It’s imperative for anyone facing removal to work with someone who can help them build a strong defense that will permit them to continue creating a new life in this country.
