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Crime and Immigration Consequences
(Adapted from www.uscis.gov)

Refugees/asylees must obey the laws of the United States.  If you are a refugee, asylee, or a legal permanent resident who has been convicted of a crime in the U.S., you could face fines, jail time, and/or even be removed/deported from the United States. 

Examples of crimes that may affect immigration status include:

• Any crime which is considered an "aggravated felony," including crimes of violence that are felonies with at least a one-year prison term.
• Murder
• Terrorist Activities
• Rape
• Sexual assault of a child
• Trafficking in drugs, firearms or people
• A crime of "moral turpitude," which in general is:
  • a crime with an intent to steal or defraud;
  • a crime where physical harm is done or threatened;
  • a crime where serious physical harm is caused by reckless behavior;
  • or a crime of sexual misconduct

There could also be serious consequences to immigration status if an individual:

• Lies to get immigration benefits for oneself or someone else
• Claims to be a US citizen and is not
• Votes in a U.S. election and is not a U.S. citizen
• Is drunk or using illegal drugs most of the time
• Is married to more than one person at the same time
• Does not support a family or pay child/spousal support as ordered
• Is arrested for assaulting or harassing a family member, including violating a protection order (i.e. domestic violence)
• Lies to get public benefits (i.e. food stamps, welfare, Social Security, etc.)
• Does not file tax returns if required
• Willfully does not register for the Selective Service (males between the ages of 18 and 26)

If you have committed and/or been convicted of a crime, consult an immigration lawyer before applying for any immigration benefit (i.e. applications, petitions) from the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services).