Being a green card holder allows you to work and live permanently in the USA. This permanent resident card grants you all legal rights to be in the country, and ensures that you aren’t under any threat of deportation. While you may not be under any threats, you still are not immune to the law. If you are ever caught wanting, you can be easily deported– and it doesn’t have to be a heinous crime.
It is necessary for you to always abide by the rules and regulations to avoid any troubles with the US government. Green card renewal, for example, is one of the primary and vital things you should do to avoid deportation. Among all essential things, you should have a good knowledge of scenarios that can lead to deportation– scenarios like expiration of your green card and other offenses that could create a problem.
While you may not be actively looking to commit a crime, having the required knowledge will help keep you informed. This way, you can always know how and when to avoid any association that may implicate you. Speaking of keeping abreast of the necessary information, an immigration lawyer is a good source that can help you with providing this information.
This article will help answer the question of the importance of an immigration lawyer. It will also help you get familiar with why a green card holder can be deported. This way, you can look out for these situations and advise family and friends. So keep reading!
Is an Immigration Lawyer Important?
The job of an immigration lawyer for green cards puts them in a unique position to provide you with all the information you need. From how to get a green card in the USA to what green card renewal is, and how to handle green card identity theft.
However, acquiring the service of an efficient immigration lawyer is the most important action. An immigration lawyer provides you the guidance and ensures that all your documents are up to standard but most importantly, they follow up on your filing judiciously till it is granted.
What can Cause Deportation of a Green Card Holder?
There are a number of offenses that are regarded as deportable offenses. These offenses may be life-threatening or simply violations. If you are found wanting, you always have the right to take the help of an immigration lawyer. It is left to you and your lawyer to prove your innocence in any situation you’re found wanting or risk deportation. Some of these offenses include:
1. Green Card Marriage
Green card marriage, as it implies, is getting married for the sole purpose of getting a green card. This is considered an act of fraud by the immigration law in New Jersey and leads to automatic deportation.
Undoubtedly, not all marriages involving immigrants aim to earn a green card. However, there are some shady situations, such as getting married after meeting for a short period and getting divorced shortly after.
While a situation like this will raise some suspicion, it is up to you and your immigration lawyer to prove it isn’t what it looks like. If you cannot prove so, you’re at the risk of deportation.
2. Aggravated Felony
Any case of a felony on your file as a green card holder poses a threat to your green card. If charged with any form of a felony, it has two results, None of which is good for you.
You may be deported or rendered inadmissible into the country. The immigration authorities make this decision after a proper evaluation of your case.
A green card identity theft, for example, is easily a felony. This makes it more daunting, especially if it includes the theft of money and goods. If found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, even an immigration lawyer may not be able to do much.
3. Crimes of Moral Turpitude
Over the years, there have been debates as to the exact crimes under this category. However, there is a list that attempts to capture all the crimes that fall under this category.
Some of these crimes include voluntary or involuntary manslaughter, child and spousal abuse, kidnapping, rape, robbery, etc. These crimes are also guaranteed to make you inadmissible in the United States.
While the line may not be clear enough, any of the above crimes can cost you a negative green card status for life.
4. Consumption and Distribution of Controlled Substances
Any form of possession or use of controlled substances can be a ground for deportation. However, it may be handled differently, depending on the quantity found in your possession or the level of crime.
This is another situation where an immigration lawyer may help plead your case. This can be easily managed from escalating, especially when it is your first drug case with no intent to distribute.
5. Smuggling and Failure to Update Green Card Status
Another deportable offense is the willful smuggling of people, whether from your family or friends, into another country.
If you were accepted on conditional information at the time of entry into the country, you are mandated to report any changes along the line.
If you were granted a visa card based on conditional permanent residence, you are mandated to report a change of address. If, for any reason, you’re not able and are found wanting, your immigration lawyer should be able to prove it was not a conspiracy to commit fraud.
Conclusion
The process of immigration for an individual is quite complex and challenging as well. You shouldn’t have to do it all by yourself, a competent immigration lawyer is what you need to deal with any issues you face as an immigrant. Ignorance of the law doesn’t make you innocent. Having knowledge of all the above deportable offenses is key to helping you avoid them.
Having an immigration lawyer guarantees you all possible options before making a decision. The lawyer helps you in each and every stage of your life and directs all possible actions and advice to stop the deportation and make your stay in the country safe and happy.