Coming to the United States as an immigrant is a dream of many people. In order to do this in a lawful manner, there are certain conditions that must be met and processes that must be followed.
Part of the process requires immigration authorities to look at a person’s criminal background. Immigration law uses the term “crime involving moral turpitude” to define crimes that prevent legal status, but the definition of this isn’t always clear. In some cases, they can lead to deportation or denial of entry.
Why does this matter in immigration?
Generally, a crime involving moral turpitude refers to conduct that is inherently dishonest or immoral. The exact definition isn’t spelled out in law, so courts often look at precedents to determine whether a crime qualifies. Serious offenses, such as violent crimes, theft and fraud, are some examples that fall under this category.
When it comes to immigration, even one conviction for a crime involving moral turpitude can negatively affect the immigration application. In some cases, even less serious convictions can lead to problems. Typically, the available exceptions are for crimes that are considered petty because a sentence was less than one year.
Because the definition of crimes involving moral turpitude isn’t precisely defined by law, interpretation can vary by court and by jurisdiction. This can lead to two similar cases resulting in different rulings. Because of this, anyone who is applying for legal status in the U.S. should work with someone familiar with this matter if they have any concerns.