A criminal conviction can affect your immigration status in ways you might not expect. Certain offenses, known as crimes of moral turpitude (CMTs), can block your path to a visa, green card, or citizenship. These crimes involve acts of dishonesty or behavior that society considers especially wrong. Immigration officials take them seriously, and even a single conviction could put your future in the U.S. at risk. If you’ve been charged with or convicted of a CMT, it’s important to know how it could affect your case and what steps you can take to protect your immigration status.
What Are Crimes of Moral Turpitude?
Crimes of moral turpitude involve dishonesty, fraud, or behavior that society considers morally wrong. Unlike minor offenses, these crimes reflect a level of intent or recklessness that goes against accepted ethical standards. U.S. immigration laws treat them seriously, and a conviction can impact your ability to enter or remain in the country.
Some common examples include:
- Fraud-related offenses, such as embezzlement or identity theft
- Theft crimes, including burglary and grand larceny
- Violent crimes, like aggravated assault or domestic violence
- Sex offenses, including prostitution and child exploitation
Not every crime qualifies. For instance, simple assault or disorderly conduct may not be considered a CMT, depending on the circumstances. Courts and immigration officials determine whether an offense meets the legal definition based on case details and existing precedent. If you’re unsure how your record may affect your immigration status, understanding these distinctions is important.
How a CMT Affects Immigration Status
A conviction for a crime of moral turpitude can create serious immigration obstacles. Whether you’re applying for a visa, green card, or U.S. citizenship, immigration authorities will review your record to determine if you’re eligible to enter or remain in the country. In some cases, a single CMT can lead to visa denial or even deportation.
The impact depends on several factors, including:
- The number of offenses—multiple CMT convictions make it harder to qualify for relief.
- The severity of the crime—aggravated offenses carry harsher consequences.
- The timing of the conviction—some crimes committed years ago may have less impact, but others can still trigger immigration consequences.
A CMT conviction could result in removal proceedings for green card holders, especially if it occurred within five years of obtaining lawful permanent residence. Certain exceptions exist, such as the petty offense exception, which applies if the maximum sentence was less than a year and the actual time served was under six months.
Because immigration laws are strict when it comes to moral turpitude, a conviction—even one from years ago—can still affect your status. If you have concerns about your record, understanding how the law applies to your situation is the first step.
How We Can Help You
At Central Justice, we understand how a CMT can complicate your immigration status. If a conviction is affecting your ability to get a visa, green card, or citizenship, we will assess your situation and explore legal options to protect your future.
Depending on the details of your case, we may be able to:
- Argue that your offense does not meet the legal definition of a CMT under immigration law.
- Seek post-conviction relief, such as vacating a conviction or reducing charges to a non-deportable offense.
- Apply for waivers that allow certain individuals to remain in the U.S. despite a past conviction.
Every case is different, and immigration authorities look at multiple factors when determining eligibility. A single conviction does not always mean automatic removal, but acting quickly can make a difference. Central Justice has experience handling immigration matters involving criminal records and can help determine the best course of action. Whether you need to challenge a past conviction or apply for an exception, we will work to find a solution that protects your ability to stay in the U.S.
Don’t Let a Conviction Define Your Immigration Status
A crime of moral turpitude can put your immigration status at risk, but options may be available. The right legal approach can mean the difference between staying in the U.S. and facing removal. At Central Justice, we are ready to review your case and help you find a path forward. Contact us today to discuss your situation and take the next steps toward protecting your future.
