Significance

• A criminal conviction can affect not only a person applying for the first time for a change of status, but also for anyone that has received resident status. A person can be denied entry, denied a green card or lose her resident status and be subject to deportation for the conviction of a criminal offense.
  
  

Serious Convictions

• The United States has three basic categories of criminal convictions that can impact immigration status. The first are aggravated felonies or any crime for which the person could have been sentenced to a year or more in prison. The second group are crimes of moral turpitude such as fraud, rape, robbery and some sex offenses. The last category includes crimes involving controlled substances, domestic violence and firearm violations.
  
  

Misdemeanor Convictions

• A misdemeanor conviction can affect immigration status. The exact charge and the potential penalties associated with the crime will determine whether or not it qualifies as a bar to residency or as a reason for deportation.