Criminal convictions are the most obvious obstacles immigrants face towards entering or remaining in the United States. Criminal convictions can affect the eligibility of any non-citizen or permanent resident (i.e. green card holder) to continue living in the United States. Furthermore, criminal misconduct that does not result in a conviction can still prevent a person from entering the U.S. or become subject to deportation proceedings from the United States.
Many of these immigration consequences may be avoided by consulting an immigration attorney who can work with your criminal defense attorney and advise you on how your criminal case(s) can impact your immigration status.
Once your criminal case closes, an immigration attorney can determine the consequences of the conviction, if any, under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Thus, it is always important to consult with an immigration attorney upon any criminal misconduct or contact with law enforcement authorities.
