Blog Post
Grounds for Deportation from the U.S.
5/26/2025
To prepare a strong defense against deportation, you must understand why immigration authorities seek your removal. This allows you and your attorney to address your case effectively. Here are some grounds for deportation, each requiring a tailored defense strategy.
Violation Of Entry Conditions Or Visa Status
Noncitizens must usually register with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when entering the United States. If you entered without meeting the necessary conditions, you could face deportation.
Visa holders may also be subject to removal if they violate its terms. Overstaying, working without authorization, or failing to meet specific Visa conditions can invalidate your right to stay in the country.
Criminal Offenses
Criminal convictions can lead to removal, mainly if classified as crimes involving moral turpitude (CIMT) or aggravated felonies under the immigration code. Domestic abuse, controlled substance, and firearm offenses can similarly jeopardize immigration status.
Immigration law often has broader definitions of these offenses than criminal law, and seemingly simple violations may significantly impact your stay in the country. A minor drug possession conviction may not be a severe criminal offense but can count as an aggravated felony in immigration law or grounds for removal.
Document Fraud
Committing document fraud, such as using false identification or lying on immigration forms, directly endangers your legal standing. This deceitful act undermines the integrity of the immigration process and can trigger a breach of trust and legality.
The consequences of document fraud extend beyond immediate removal risks. You may face criminal liabilities and inadmissibility to the U.S., which could prevent future entry or Visa approval.
Security & Related Grounds
National security and public safety concerns are severe grounds for deportation. This includes any involvement in terrorism, espionage, or activities threatening the protection and well-being of the United States, its Government, and its people.
Public Charge
Noncitizens who become dependent on government assistance, classified as a “public charge,” can be subject to removal. This is based on the belief that you cannot support yourself and will highly rely on public benefits during your stay in the country.
Unlawful Voting
Noncitizens are prohibited from voting in federal, state, or local elections. You may face removal even if you voted mistakenly or believed you were eligible. The law is strict because the right to vote is reserved exclusively for U.S. citizens, whether by birth or naturalization.
Knowing the specific grounds for removal in your case is the first step in mounting a defense. Each ground presents unique challenges, but with the right legal strategy, you can effectively navigate the deportation process.
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