Immigration laws, including those relating to lawful permanent residency, can be challenging to understand. With lawful permanent residency, there are specific requirements that you must meet before you are considered and accepted. However, even after you have been admitted to the United States as a lawful permanent resident, there are rules and regulations that you must follow to maintain that status. This article will discuss what happens when a lawful permanent resident is reentering The United States after a criminal arrest.
Experienced Immigration Representation in Florida
When you need experienced immigration representation in Florida, call Leslie I. Snyder, P.A. Immigration Attorney. An experienced immigration attorney can help you navigate the process and fulfill all the requirements necessary to ensure your success.
What Is Lawful Permanent Residency?
Lawful permanent residents (LPRs) are noncitizens who are legally authorized to permanently live in the United States. Also known as green card holders, lawful permanent residents may accept offers of employment without restrictions, own property in the country, receive financial assistance for public educational institutions, and join the military.
Criminal Convictions and Re-entry into the United States
- Lawful permanent residents may have their status revoked if they are convicted of a crime. Some of these crimes include:
- an aggravated felony
- a crime of moral turpitude (unethical or immoral crimes) within five years of receiving a green card
- sex crimes
- drug crimes
- domestic violence
- firearms offenses
- fraud offenses
If these crimes are committed as an LPR, your residency status may be revoked. However, whether a crime is worthy of deportation is subjective. One may be charged with a serious crime but not be found deportable, whereas another more minor offense might result in deportation.
After conviction, you cannot be denied re-entry into the United States if you seek re-entry. That said, while you may not be denied re-entry, you may be referred to an immigration hearing for a deportation determination. Deportation involves having your previous LPR status revoked, resulting in your removal from the country. Once the deportation order is issued, you will be unable to reenter the country after you have left.
When Does Parole Apply?
If you have been convicted of a deportation-worthy offense and have been removed from the country, you may still be eligible for humanitarian parole. Humanitarian parole allows a nonimmigrant to enter the country for a specific “urgent” purpose. Some humanitarian parole purposes can include:
- Entering the county to receive protection from targeted or individualized harm
- Receiving medical treatment
- Entering to visit or care for a sick relative in the United States
Hiring A Florida Immigration Attorney
Immigration processes, like applying for and maintaining lawful permanent residency, are complex. When you need immigration representation, contact Leslie I. Snyder, P.A. Immigration Attorney. To learn more or schedule your initial case consultation, call (305) 859-9580, use the chat box at the bottom-left of the screen, or use our Contact Form today.