Obtaining a work visa and citizenship in the United States can be a great opportunity. However, if you are not careful and commit a crime, you could have your visa taken away from you and get deported.
Criminal convictions are the most common reason immigrants are deported from the country. If you are convicted of a crime of moral turpitude or a felony, you might be at risk of getting deported.
What is a crime of moral turpitude (CMT)?
Generally, crimes of moral turpitude are those that involve direct intent to cause harm to a person or thing. Some examples of crimes of moral turpitude are:
- Murder or manslaughter
- Sex offenses
- DUI
- Theft
- Drug crimes
Each state has different rules on what they consider a CMT to be. If you are unsure if the crime you committed was a crime of moral turpitude, you might want to speak with an attorney to get a better understanding.
When could a crime of moral turpitude get you deported?
Committing a CMT could result in deportation if:
- You committed a CMT within the first five years of immigrating to the United States
- You committed two or more CMTs, not resulting from the same incident
If you immigrated to the United States and are now facing charges for committing a CMT, speaking with a knowledgeable immigration attorney may be in your best interest. They will understand CMT’s and can fight for you in court.
