If you are seeking permanent resident status in the United States, you may be eligible to apply for a green card through your family, a job offer or employment, refugee or asylum status, or other special programs. However, you will not be able to receive one if the government officials reviewing your application determine you as inadmissible to the United States. Mainly, you can be considered inadmissible if you have a record of committing certain crimes. If you are unsure about your admissibility, read on to learn how a skilled Milwaukee, WI green card attorney at the Sesini Law Group, S.C., can help to improve your chances.
Which crimes will make you inadmissible for a green card?
It is important to note that not every crime on your record makes you inadmissible for a green card. However, the following are crimes that do:
- Conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude, but not a purely political offense.
- Conviction or admission of a controlled substance violation, whether under United States law or foreign law.
- Convictions for two or more crimes for which the prison sentences totaled at least five years, but not purely political offenses.
- Conviction of or participation in controlled substance trafficking.
- Having the purpose of engaging in prostitution or commercialized vice upon coming to the United States, or a history within the previous 10 years of having engaged in prostitution.
- Procurement, attempted procurement, or importation of prostitutes, or receipt of proceeds of prostitution within the previous 10 years.
- Assertion of immunity from prosecution after committing a serious criminal offense in the United States.
- Commission of severe violations of religious freedom while serving as a foreign government official.
- Commission of or conspiracy to commit human trafficking offenses, within or outside the United States.
- Conviction of an aggravated felony.
- Having the purpose of engaging in money laundering upon coming to the United States, or a history of having laundered money.
Of note, not all of the aforementioned crimes require an actual conviction in court for the government officials reviewing your application to determine you as inadmissible.
Is it still possible to obtain a green card if I have committed crimes?
Firstly, it is critical that you do not lie on your green card application about committing certain crimes. Since fingerprint checks are a requirement for your application, you will likely be caught in your lie and ultimately ineligible for virtually any United States immigration benefit in the future.
Additionally, the law may provide you with an opportunity to apply for legal forgiveness, otherwise known as a waiver, so that your admissibility is still possible. If you need help doing so, contact a knowledgeable family immigration lawyer in Milwaukee, WI today.
Contact our experienced Wisconsin firm
Our firm understands what is at stake when it comes to immigration law matters. Contact the Sesini Law Group, S.C., and schedule your initial consultation today.