Immigration Consequences

If you are not a United States citizen and you are arrested or convicted of a crime, you face serious consequences in addition to the criminal sentence. Guilty pleas and convictions can lead to immediate detention and deportation. Even violations or non-violent misdemeanors, like shop-lifting, marijuana possession or turnstile jumping can lead to deportation. This can happen even if you have lived in the United States for a long time. Speak to your attorney. Visit Collateral Consequences Basics and use a calculator to learn more.

Undocumented

If you are out of status or undocumented when you are arrested, your fingerprints are sent to immigration. Immigration can issue a detainer or warrant at your arraignment or while you are in jail. This means that when the criminal case is over or you pay bail, you will not be released and you will be sent to an immigration judge. A criminal conviction may prevent you from getting residency, asylum, or a work permit in the future.

Green Card Holders

A criminal conviction could:

• Get you deported.
• Prevent you from becoming a citizen in the future
• Prevent you from renewing your green card
• Prevent you from travelling outside the country

If you have a criminal record, a new arrest can lead to an immigration detainer. This means that when the criminal case is over or you pay bail, you will not be released and you will be sent to an immigration judge.