How a Criminal Offense Can Affect Immigration Status
Looking for A Specific Post? Search Below
Many things can affect a person’s immigration status, including criminal offenses. A crime committed in a person’s home country, or once they have obtained immigration status in the United States, can both affect that person’s status. In some cases, a conviction for a criminal offense can even lead to deportation. Not all crimes are considered equal under immigration law, however. Below is an explanation of what criminal offenses are likely to affect a person’s immigration status, and which ones are not.
Crimes Committed Outside of the United States
Before an individual can enter the United States to live, even on a temporary basis, their background is thoroughly investigated. This background check will reveal any criminal offenses a person committed in their home country and, for those who have a conviction on their record, this is a real concern.
Fortunately, most minor criminal convictions are not an obstacle to gaining a green card or other types of immigration status. However, when a person has been convicted of a drug crime, a felony, or any offense that resulted in the applicant serving at least one year in prison, they are unlikely to receive a green card or other types of immigration status.
Crimes Committed Within the United States
The United States government only wants to allow people into the country that are of good moral character. As such, when someone has been granted immigration status and they commit a crime once they are in the country, their status may be in trouble.
Again, petty crimes are not typically a barrier to obtaining a green card. However, if a person commits a crime of moral turpitude within five years of receiving their green card, they can be placed in deportation proceedings. A crime of moral turpitude refers to an act that violates the sentiment of the accepted standard within the community. Fraud and larceny are two of the most common crimes of moral turpitude. Convictions for an aggravated felony can also result in deportation.
Driving under the influence is one of the most common criminal offenses, but it is important to know that a conviction for a DUI will likely not result in a person losing their immigration status. DUIs are considered driving convictions, which do not affect a person’s status.
How to Remove a Criminal Conviction
Of course, when a criminal conviction does not appear on a person’s criminal record, it cannot be used against them. As such, many people that wish to enter the country look into having these removed. State governments allow people to have their record expunged, which essentially means it is as though it never happened. The requirements for expunging and sealing records vary by state.
Our Illinois Immigration Lawyers can Help with Your Status
There is a lot that can affect your immigration status, and criminal convictions are just one of them. If you are concerned about your status, or you need to obtain immigration status in the country, call our Chicago immigration lawyers at Kriezelman, Burton & Associates, LLC. We will help you navigate the complex immigration system and give you the best chance of success with your case.
What Our Clients Say
5-Star Rating | Based on 200+ Satisfied Customer Google Reviews
Brittni Rivera and her team (Carina Lopez) are fantastic! They are responsive, efficient and beyond compassionate. Brittni Rivera and her team treated me with dignity and respect as they patiently answered all of my questions. They didn't move on without making sure I understood each step. Their work ethic was impressive. It felt like they were an extension of my personal team. I can't say enough to convey my gratitude…
Kevin Raica and his team handled my immigration application and i can other recommend them enough. They made a stressful process very easy. They are very knowledgeable in this area and helped us at every stage from beginning to end.
Brittni Rivera She is my Attorney from 2017 Thank you so, so much. This truly wouldn’t have been possible without you, Brittni. Can’t wait to file for the green cards.
We hoped and prayed for this day, not knowing if it would ever come. Deportations are incredibly scary and overwhelming. We wanted to give a very special thank you to Jennifer Peyton of Chicago for securing this victory for us! With Jennifer on our side we were able to get our loved one back. On behalf of our family, thank you. When we started this journey, we had hoped and…
Matthew Kriezelman, first of all, thank you very much; you and your team are the best immigration lawyers in Chicago. I had a great experience—your professionalism was outstanding, and you were always there whenever needed. I give you five stars for the wonderful work you and your team did. Thanks again.
Hay momentos en la vida en los que una familia siente que el mundo se detiene. Nosotros vivimos uno de esos momentos y, en medio de la incertidumbre y el miedo, tuvimos la fortuna de encontrar a la abogada Sheila McNulty y al paralegal Rafael Rodríguez . Nos escucharon con empatía, nos guiaron con paciencia y defendieron nuestro caso con un profesionalismo, una dedicación y una calidad humana realmente excepcionales.…
We would like to take a moment to sincerely thank Khiabett for her exceptional work and dedication in handling my husband’s removal proceedings case. We also want to thank Agata for her great communication during the gathering of all documents. Khiabett we are incredibly grateful for your expertise, guidance, and persistence throughout the entire process. I can't thank you enough for your empathy and standing by me during such a…
Justin Burton is extremely professional knowledgeable and helpful. I’m extremely thankful for his help and patience with my case. I strongly advise to use his services and refer him to anybody in need of legal help. Thank you.
I wanted to share my experience and say that attorney Britney Rivera is extremely competent in her work. I had heard from friends that she was a very strong lawyer, and she certainly proved to be one. She won our case in a very short time, and my family and I are incredibly grateful to her!🌹And a big thank you to her team as well!🌹🌹🌹
Huge thanks to Attorney Matthew for his incredible support on our immigration case! 🙏 He was professional, responsive, and his expertise led to a successful outcome. We truly appreciate his hard work and highly recommend his service.
Schedule A Consultation!
Libertyville
Attorney Advertising. This information is designed for general information only. The information presented should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. Past results and testimonials are not a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of the outcome of your case, and should not be construed as such. Past results cannot guarantee future performance. Any result in a single case is not meant to create an expectation of similar results in future matters because each case involves many different factors, therefore, results will differ on a case-by-case basis. By providing contact information, users acknowledge and give explicit consent to be contacted via the methods of communication provided, including SMS. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. Reply STOP to opt out.
NUVEW | Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved | Accessibility Notice | privacy policy