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CAN IMMIGRATION DEPORT ME FOR A 20YR OLD MISDEMEANOR IF I AM A PERMANENT RESIDENT OF USA?

I RECENTLY TOOK AN INTERNATIONAL TRIP AND GOT HELD UP AT IMMIGRATION COMING BACK. I WAS TOLD IT WAS BECAUSE OF AN OLD MISDEMEANOR CHARGE I HAD AND THAT I AM CONSIDERED "DEPORTABLE" THEY LET ME GO BECAUSE THEY SAID THAT I AM ELIGIBLE TO BECOME A UNITED STATES CITIZEN. I DIDN'T EVEN THINK THEY COULD HASSLE ME FOR A 20YR OLD MISDEMEANOR...

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  • 8 years ago
    Favourite answer

    it is possible but it depends on what exactly you were convicted of and how long the maximum sentence could have been for the conviction. it's rather complicated, so perhaps you should consult a good immigration lawyer, but essentially it depends on whether the charge could be considered a Crime Involving Moral Turpitude and whether the possible sentence for the conviction would be more than one year, or less. it actually doesn't matter whether you served any time or not, just what you might have served. so as I said, it's complicated. at least an immigration lawyer would have all the facts before advising you. but, chances are you'll be fine.

  • ?
    Lv 7
    8 years ago

    First,

    please don't write in ALL CAPS. That's difficult to read and considered yelling.

    To answer your question: yes, they can deport you. A Green Card holder is a foreigner, enjoying the privilege to reside in the United States. If this privilege is being abused by committing a crime, it can be withdrawn at any time. However, it's highly unlikely that they would do that after 20 years.

    If you want to avoid being hassled for what you are, a foreigner who has been convicted of a crime, I suggest you file for naturalization pretty soon. Twenty years should be plenty of time to get this done. Also keep in mind that all it takes now is a trigger. If you jay-walk the street and get a ticket, and this pops up on the database, ICE can see the previous criminal conviction and determine that it's time for you to go home. Unless you become a US citizen, home is where your passport says it is.

    Source(s): An immigrant from Europe, I live in the charming old mission town of San Buenaventura and work as an attorney in Santa Barbara, California.
  • Anonymous
    8 years ago

    Get your US Citizenship quick as then you will never have any trouble again you will never be Deportable. However if you never declared it at the time of being issued a green Card that is a violation Of United States Immigration law namely a immigration fraud then you may not be Eligible for Citizenship.

    Source(s): Law
  • Anonymous
    8 years ago

    You're not the only one who gets randomly checked and hassled. It happens to all of us. There are a lot of jerks in positions of authority. However, in your case your ordeal gave you a valueable lesson. You can become a u.s. citizen. So why don't you? It's the answer. If you want to be an American that is.

  • Ed
    Lv 7
    8 years ago

    A misdemeanor conviction is not a deportable offense. The officer did not know what he was talking about. It was an abuse in my opinion.

  • 8 years ago

    If you lied about it to get Permanent Residence, yes they can rescind your visa and deport you.

  • Anonymous
    8 years ago

    most certaily yes ...

    and if you never declared it for you green card ..forget citizenship think deportation

    if it was declared you are safe

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