Common Reasons Why Immigrants Face Removal from the United States
In 2015, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) removed or “deported” more than 235,000 immigrants from the country. Not all of them were removed because of criminal activity. In fact, an immigrant may face removal from the U.S. for many reasons. At the Law Office of Perry A. Craft, PLLC, we help immigrants who are facing removal. Some reasons immigrants face removal are that they:
- Have been charged with a criminal act. In some cases, you do not even have to be convicted of a crime to be removed from the country. Simply being charged may be enough.
- Have been convicted of a crime. Crimes involving moral turpitude will automatically give ICE cause to remove you, but certain “minor” criminal convictions could also lead to your removal. Because Nashville immigration defense attorney Perry Craft is an experienced criminal defense lawyer, he can assist clients who face removal for criminal convictions; however, before a criminal conviction or entering a guilty plea, an immigrant should understand the consequences and discuss options and realities with a lawyer experienced in immigration and criminal law.
- Have applied for public assistance. If you have been in the U.S. for fewer than 5 years, and apply for public assistance during that time, you could be labeled by the federal government as a “public charge.” Being dependent on the government’s assistance could lead you to face removal.
- Have committed marriage fraud. Marriage fraud is taken very seriously by ICE. If they believe that your marriage is a “sham” or you married a U.S. citizen just to gain U.S. citizenship, or that any part of the family immigration process was handled incorrectly, you could be deported.
- Have overstayed their visa. Visas are not permanent, and different types of visas require you to follow different sets of rules. If you violate those rules, or stay past the time you are allowed in the country, there may be consequences.
- Have entered the U.S. illegally. Illegal immigration is exactly that – illegal. If you have come to America without following the proper channels, ICE may force you to go back to your home country.
- Have been denied asylum. In order to be granted asylum, you must make a successful case for why you should be allowed to stay in the country, and it must be based on proof that you have been persecuted. If you are denied asylum, you must either return to your home country or begin a path to citizenship. Failure to do so could result in you being removed from the U.S.
If you are facing removal or being deported, you should seek the help of a knowledgeable Nashville immigration lawyer like Perry Craft – right away. He can help you plan for the future and guide you through the removal hearing process. To meet and discuss your immigration or criminal matter with him, please call 615-953-3808 or fill out our contact form.
Perry A. Craft has dedicated his life to helping people in need. He has tried, settled, or resolved numerous civil and criminal cases in State and Federal courts, and has represented teachers and administrators before school boards, administrative judges, and the state Board of Education. Learn more about Attorney Craft.