What is Moral Turpitude?

When you are a Green Card holder in the United States, it is important that you remain in good standing with the law in order to eventually obtain naturalization when the time comes. If you are convicted of a crime you may be deported out of the country even if you have a Green Card. Many times, these are called crimes of moral turpitude. Moral turpitude essentially means that you are committing a crime against the general standards of the community.

Some of the crimes that are considered bad moral turpitude include crimes with the intention of harming another person, larceny, aggravated assault, larceny, drug charges, driving under the influence or fraud. If you are a convicted of a crime of moral turpitude, in addition to being deported, you will not be able to obtain a waiver to return back to the United States. The only defense you may have from being deported is if you prove that you will be tortured upon returning to your home country.

The United States believes it is important for a potential new citizen to have good morals and therefore, they consider any crimes that the person has been convicted of. They also may ask people who know you about your standing in the community, including any jobs you have worked at, places you may volunteer your time, etc.

In the event that you have been accused of a crime while holding your Green Card, it is important that you seek legal counsel with an experienced immigration law attorney who can discuss the circumstances of your case with.

John Sesini is an experienced immigration attorney with offices in Green Bay and Milwaukee Wisconsin. If you have any questions regarding these matters, please contact the Sesini Law Group, S.C. today and schedule your initial consultation.

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