Empowering Immigrants, Strengthening America
Usually not on its own. A first-offense driving while intoxicated (DWI) case in New Jersey is neither a crime of moral turpitude nor an aggravated felony, so it rarely supports a removal charge by itself. However, aggravating facts and repeat offenses change that quickly. DeCosmo Law helps Camden drivers see...
Yes. Controlled substance offenses carry some of the harshest consequences in federal immigration law, and a single conviction for simple possession can make a green card holder deportable. Marijuana is the one narrow exception, and it is far smaller than most people assume. DeCosmo Law works with Camden residents whose...
For noncitizens, a criminal charge may create consequences far beyond fines, probation, or jail exposure. Even relatively minor offenses can sometimes affect immigration status, future applications, or the ability to remain in the United States. Immigration consequences are not always obvious from the criminal charges themselves. A plea agreement that...
If you are an immigrant in New Jersey, you may have seen advertisements for “notarios” or “immigration consultants” who promise fast and easy results. They may claim to help you get a green card, citizenship or another immigration benefit. These services may sound attractive, especially if you want quick answers...
There’s been a lot of troubling and contradictory information coming out of Washington, D.C., federal agencies and the White House regarding the rights of immigrants of all statuses in this country. Whether someone has a temporary visa, legal permanent residency or some other status that allows them to be in...
Being charged with a crime is terrifying. For immigrants – especially those who aren’t U.S. citizens — the fear is often compounded by concerns about deportation, immigration status and language barriers. Your situation may feel hopeless, but it’s crucial to remember that the U.S. Constitution extends many legal protections to...
Facing criminal charges is always serious, but for immigrants in the United States, the consequences can go far beyond court fines or jail time. A single conviction involving sexual conduct can threaten your legal status, future opportunities and even your ability to remain in the country. Certain offenses, even without...
Crime involving moral turpitude is a term that’s often heard in immigration cases. This term describes offenses that violate accepted standards of honesty and morality. These aren’t just crimes. Instead, they’re viewed as a reflection on the person’s character. Some examples of crimes involving moral turpitude include assault with intent...
When you apply for a U.S. visa or green card, your criminal record becomes a crucial factor. Crimes involving moral turpitude (CIMT) are offenses that demonstrate depravity and violate society’s moral standards, potentially barring you from entering or remaining in the United States. Understanding which crimes fall into this category...
Facing criminal charges is scary, especially if you’re an immigrant. You might worry about deportation, family separation or unfair treatment by the justice system. While some of your concerns may be valid, it helps to know that you have rights in criminal court, regardless of your immigration status. Understanding these...
Driving while intoxicated (DWI) offenses are relatively common. Some people refer to such offenses as driving under the influence (DUI) infractions. Regardless of the terminology used, a DWI offense relates to operating a motor vehicle after ingesting too much alcohol. People can get arrested for a DWI because they fail...
Para los inmigrantes no ciudadanos en los Estados Unidos, enfrentar una acusación penal puede ser una experiencia aterradora, especialmente cuando existe la posibilidad de deportación. Es importante entender que no todas las condenas penales resultan automáticamente en la deportación, ni siquiera para los que no tienen su residencia permanente. Sin...
Some people believe that immigrants are more likely than native U.S. citizens to be arrested for criminal activity. The type of criminal activity they suspect may vary, including accusations of financial crimes, shoplifting, drug use, drunk driving and more. But is this perspective accurate? It is not. Although some individuals...
If you get arrested, your future could be significantly altered. You may be worried about spending time behind bars. You may be concerned about financial fines. You may worry about losing certain rights or abilities, such as losing your driver’s license. But if you are an immigrant, you may also...
Immigrants in the United States must follow many rules. They have to submit paperwork to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. They have to undergo a criminal background check at every stage of the immigration process. They also need to avoid major criminal violations while living in the United...
You may be issued a deportation order or a removal order for various reasons. It could be due to violations of immigration laws, criminal convictions or overstaying a visa. A deportation order requires you to leave the country within a specified period or face detention and removal by immigration authorities....
If you are an immigrant in the United States facing drunk driving charges, you may be wondering if you will face deportation if found guilty. Well, it depends. There is a possibility you could be deported if convicted, as explained below. Certain offenses, collectively referred to as crimes of moral...
Navigating the complexities of U.S. immigration laws can be complicated for those looking to move to the United States or adjust their status while they’re here. For example, understanding the concept of moral turpitude and its implications on immigration processes is crucial. It’s a concept that reflects an applicant’s moral...
“Crimmigration” is a term that has emerged in recent years to describe the increasingly intertwined areas of criminal law and immigration law. This blend of legal concerns has become more pronounced as the legal and policy landscapes in both fields have evolved, particularly in the United States. Understanding crimmigration requires...
A lot of people would love to live in the United States. Unfortunately for them, the tight limits on numbers mean many will never get that opportunity. Those who get the chance to apply must meet strict conditions, as must those who want to retain their right to stay once...
In New Jersey and the rest of the United States, there is no government-imposed restriction on who a US citizen can marry. As long as the couple does the application process properly and the government performs adequate medical and background checks, it may be possible for the foreign spouse to...
Los cargos criminales son graves para cualquier persona, pero representan un peligro especial para los que están buscando la naturalización en los Estados Unidos. Hay ciertos crímenes que no solo pueden descalificar a uno por la naturalización, pero también hasta podrían resultar en una acción de deportación. Por suerte, las...
Your criminal history can make you ineligible to immigrate to the United States on a family and marriage green card. Furthermore, if the person sponsoring you in the United States has a criminal history, they may be prevented from helping you. While it may be tempting not to say anything...
Afrontar la realidad brutal de los cargos penales es un desafío enorme en la vida de cualquier persona. Una condena criminal se queda en el registro penal de alguien, y puede limitar sus oportunidades de trabajo, de educación, de sacar un préstamo del banco, y mucho más. Pero para alguien...
Part of everyday life in New Jersey involves hearing about the continual issue of immigration crimes. It’s hard not to tune it out after a while when it’s such a strongly established norm. And if it’s not something impacting you or your family directly, it becomes all too easy to...
Una persona que no es ciudadano o residente permanente de los Estados Unidos corre el riesgo de deportación en cualquier momento. Este evento puede ser devastador para alguien que ya estableció familia, amistades, negocios, y más en los Estados Unidos. Por suerte, hay algunas defensas que a veces pueden ayudar...
Throughout New Jersey and the rest of the nation, many undocumented immigrants live in fear of deportation. Unfortunately, these fears became real for a large group of undocumented immigrants after being arrested without the officer having a warrant. Now, a new measure is in place that will limit what federal...
Si usted no es ciudadano de los Estados Unidos, es importante saber qué tipo de cosas pueden tener un efecto negativo en su habilidad de permanecer legalmente en el país. Algunos crimines le pueden descalificar inmediatamente por la ciudadanía e incluso la residencia, mientras que otros no. ¿Qué efecto tendrá...
Residents of Camden and other parts of New Jersey may want to learn more about the consequences of a criminal conviction and how it may affect immigration status. Criminal convictions, even for a non-immigrant, carry such issues as preventing employment, social services or housing. However, for immigrants or permanent residents,...
In New Jersey, green card applicants face a long process to reach this stage of residence in the U.S. For applicants who have a criminal record, the green card application can be harder to accomplish. Being fully honest and forthcoming about any past criminal charges of any kind is essential...
If you are not a citizen of the United States, you may believe that the U.S. Constitution does not apply to you. Perhaps you have heard people who are citizens tell you so. The truth is a bit more complex. In matters specifically related to immigration, the law applies differently....
When you live in New Jersey or another part of the United States as a non-citizen, you need to take extra care when it comes to how you conduct yourself. Certain types of legal trouble, such as drug violations, have the potential to lead to detention or even deportation. If...
Whether you are an immigrant falsely accused of an offense or you are facing charges over a one-off mistake, you need to prepare for court and understand the potential impact of the case in terms of your ability to stay in the U.S. Every year, tens of thousands of immigrants...
Over the past few years, several rumors have circled that noncitizens commit more crimes in America. Several news agencies and social scientists even conducted research to see the extent to which the statement proved true or false. Many may not tell you the full story unless you read beyond the...
For many people who enter the United States as immigrants, the primary goal is to eventually secure their Permanent Resident Card – commonly known as a “green card.” This card can provide immigrants with the right to stay in the U.S. legally for the rest of their lives. If you...
There are very valid reasons that the United States has such strict rules in place regarding who can enter and live in the country. The government has a vested interest in protecting its citizens, which means preventing the immigration of dangerous people, terrorists and criminals. Typically, before entering the United...
Moving to a new country can be difficult for anyone. Though numerous immigrants may feel that they can build better lives in New Jersey and other parts of the United States, the transition can still be difficult. Their lives may only become more complicated if they end up under arrest...
The details of any given criminal case could make it more complicated. For instance, if a person is an immigrant believed to be in the country illegally, his or her status could also play a role in the criminal outcomes of the case. As a result, someone facing this type...
Any type of criminal case can have its complications. When the accused person is also an immigrant in the United States, the case can have even more serious implications. In some instances, a person could be at risk for deportation if a conviction for allegations comes against him or her....
Individuals may come to New Jersey and other parts of the United States for professional reasons. However, coming to the country to work does not offer additional protection from possible immigration issues if a person is accused of a crime. Of course, each case is different, and if a person...
When an immigrant is charged with a crime, a number of concerns could arise that others do not have to face when in the same predicament. When a person is facing a criminal and immigration law issue, it is wise to have professional help. Any misstep could have lasting repercussions....
Individuals who have come to live in the United States from other countries often have more concerns than people who were born in New Jersey and other parts of the country. In particular, if an immigrant is accused of a crime, he or she faces a serious ordeal. Not only...
When a person carries out a rash action, it is possible that criminal charges could result, even if the situation does not seem that serious. If the person charged is also an immigrant in New Jersey or other parts of the United States, it is possible for his or her...
Many people worry about immigrants in the United States committing crimes, and the immigrants themselves often worry about the repercussions they may face if charged with a crime. Certainly, their immigration status could be negatively affected, and it is important to handle matters of crimmigration in New Jersey seriously. It is...
This question is one in the middle of a heated debate, particularly on the East Coast. There, a current case is working its way through the court systems. The state convicted a man of many assault and harassment crimes. His charges were misdemeanor offenses, but due to his immigration status...