Can a Naturalized Citizen be Deported for a Crime?
As a naturalized citizen of the United States, you have many rights and privileges, including the right to live and work in the country without fear of deportation. However, this right is not absolute, and there are certain circumstances under which a naturalized citizen can be deported for a crime.
What is Deportation?
Deportation is the process of removing a non-citizen from the United States back to their country of origin. This can be done for a variety of reasons, including criminal activity, national security concerns, and immigration violations.
Can a Naturalized Citizen be Deported?
Yes, a naturalized citizen can be deported from the United States under certain circumstances. Even though a naturalized citizen has been granted citizenship, they can still be deported if they are convicted of a crime that makes them removable under immigration law.
What Crimes Can Lead to Deportation?
There are several crimes that can lead to deportation for a naturalized citizen. These include:
• Crimes of Moral Turpitude: This includes crimes such as fraud, theft, and drug trafficking.
• Aggravated Felonies: This includes crimes such as murder, rape, and kidnapping.
• Drug Trafficking: This includes crimes such as importing or distributing illegal drugs.
• Firearms Offenses: This includes crimes such as using or possessing a firearm during the commission of a crime.
• Domestic Violence: This includes crimes such as assault, battery, and stalking.
How Can a Naturalized Citizen be Deported?
A naturalized citizen can be deported for a crime in several ways. These include:
• Conviction: If a naturalized citizen is convicted of a crime that makes them removable under immigration law, they can be deported.
• Waiver: If a naturalized citizen is convicted of a crime that makes them removable under immigration law, they may be able to apply for a waiver to avoid deportation.
• Order of Removal: If a naturalized citizen is ordered to be removed from the United States, they must comply with the order and leave the country.
What are the Consequences of Deportation?
The consequences of deportation for a naturalized citizen can be severe. These include:
• Loss of Citizenship: If a naturalized citizen is deported, they may lose their U.S. citizenship.
• Loss of Right to Return: If a naturalized citizen is deported, they may not be allowed to return to the United States.
• Separation from Family: If a naturalized citizen is deported, they may be separated from their family members who are still living in the United States.
• Difficulty Re-Entering the Country: If a naturalized citizen is deported, they may have difficulty re-entering the country in the future.
How Can a Naturalized Citizen Avoid Deportation?
There are several ways a naturalized citizen can avoid deportation. These include:
• Consulting with an Immigration Attorney: A naturalized citizen should consult with an immigration attorney to understand their rights and options.
• Pleading Guilty: If a naturalized citizen is charged with a crime, they should plead guilty and cooperate with the authorities to avoid deportation.
• Applying for a Waiver: If a naturalized citizen is convicted of a crime that makes them removable under immigration law, they may be able to apply for a waiver to avoid deportation.
• Seeking Asylum: If a naturalized citizen is facing persecution or violence in their home country, they may be able to seek asylum in the United States.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while a naturalized citizen can be deported for a crime, there are several ways to avoid deportation. A naturalized citizen should consult with an immigration attorney to understand their rights and options. They should also cooperate with the authorities and seek legal representation if they are charged with a crime.
Table: Crimes that Can Lead to Deportation
| Crime | Description |
|---|---|
| Crimes of Moral Turpitude | Fraud, theft, drug trafficking, etc. |
| Aggravated Felonies | Murder, rape, kidnapping, etc. |
| Drug Trafficking | Importing or distributing illegal drugs |
| Firearms Offenses | Using or possessing a firearm during the commission of a crime |
| Domestic Violence | Assault, battery, stalking, etc. |
Bullets: Consequences of Deportation
• Loss of Citizenship
• Loss of Right to Return
• Separation from Family
• Difficulty Re-Entering the Country
