If you live in the United States but aren’t a U.S. citizen, there are many reasons the government can deport you. And, although every immigration lawyer in the Dallas TX area will tell you that most people who come to the United States work hard, obey our laws and do everything they’re supposed to do to stay in the U.S. legally, there are people who have legal or other problems that can result in deportation. The reasons that a non-U.S. citizen may be deported include, but are not limited to:
Criminal Activity and Criminal Convictions – This is the most common reason for deportations in the United States. A felony conviction for crimes within certain parameters involving “moral turpitude,” such as murder, rape, manslaughter, spousal or child abuse, kidnapping, robbery, and theft, are grounds for deportation. A conviction for a drug-related crime (while in the United States or another country), a conviction for buying, selling, or possessing illegal firearms, weapons or destructive devices or a conviction for espionage, treason, sabotage or sedition are also reasons you may be deported from the country. Deportation can occur if you are engaged in or appear likely to engage in terrorist activity.
If you are imprisoned for committing a crime while living in the U.S., your release can be stopped by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement while the court decides on your deportation case.
Lying, Fraud, and Invalid Documentation – There are many reasons a non-citizen can face deportation from the United States that don’t involve committing a felony. If you violate the terms of your visa, green card, or other immigration status or you were inadmissible at the time of your entry into the U.S. or you have a conditional permanent resident status that has been terminated, you could be deported. If you committed marriage fraud to receive green card status, you could be deported. If you lie about your status as a U.S. citizen to gain entry into the country, you could face deportation. An immigration lawyer in the Dallas TX area will tell you that even if you don’t knowingly lie or commit fraud on your immigration paperwork, you may still be eligible for deportation.
Failure to register as a sex offender, admitting to being a drug user or addict, violating a protective order, and even voting in violation of state or federal law can be grounds for deportation.
Getting into the United States and remaining here legally is a long, complicated process that can be confusing. That’s why it’s so important to get the help of an immigration lawyer in the Dallas TX area. If you’ve received a notice to appear before an immigration judge, Nathan Christensen can explain all of your options and help you through the process. Call The Christensen Law Firm today at (972) 497-1017 and visit https://immigrationlawyerdallastx.com to learn more about deportation.