Criminal Convictions and Deportation

Any individual who is not a citizen of the United States can be deported (removed) from the country for the following reasons:

• Having entered the U.S. illegally
• Having been convicted of a certain crimes, including misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, and felonies
• Having committed certain crimes even when there is no conviction by a court

Some Crimes that Can Get You Deported:

• Illegal possession of a weapon, including knives and guns, even if it is in your car or on your body, or selling a weapon
• Domestic violence against a spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend
• Stalking (persistently following or tracking someone)
• Child abuse or neglect
• Auto theft
• Shoplifting or Burglary (stealing)
• Prostitution or soliciting a prostitute
• Fist fights (especially if you use any kind of weapon (like a knife or gun)
• Possessing, using, or selling drugs (even a small amount)
• Rape or sexual assault
• Having sex with someone under the age of 18
• Lying to police about your identity
• Using false papers to get a job
• Writing bad checks
• Being involved with a gang that commits crimes
• Threatening to harm or kill someone

These actions may also affect your ability to become a United States Citizen.

If you have committed any of these crimes contact an immigration attorney for more information. A list of legal providers can be found in Section 2.5 (Immigration Information, Legal and Community Resources) of this manual.

This information was provided by the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, 450 N. SYNDICATE ST., SUITE. 175, ST . PAUL, MN 55104,

• (651)641-1011