Criminal Removal: What It Means and How It Affects Immigrants

Definition & Meaning

Criminal removal refers to the process of deporting an alien who has been charged with a crime under the Immigration and Nationality Act. This process is initiated based on a criminal conviction, which serves as the legal basis for removal. An alien may also be subject to removal if they have a criminal conviction listed in the Deportable Alien Control System. Essentially, any alien with a qualifying criminal conviction is categorized as a criminal alien, regardless of the specific legal provisions that apply to their case.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: An individual from Mexico is convicted of a felony drug offense. As a result, they may face criminal removal proceedings due to their conviction under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Example 2: A person from Canada is charged with a DUI. If this conviction is recorded in the Deportable Alien Control System, they may be subject to removal from the United States. (hypothetical example)

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Difference
Deportation The formal removal of an alien from the U.S. Criminal removal specifically pertains to aliens with criminal convictions.
Exclusion The denial of entry to an alien at the border. Exclusion occurs before entry, while criminal removal happens after a conviction.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you or someone you know is facing criminal removal, consider the following steps:

  • Consult with an immigration attorney to understand your rights and options.
  • Gather all relevant documentation, including criminal records and immigration status.
  • Explore legal form templates available through US Legal Forms to assist in preparing necessary documents.

In complex cases, professional legal assistance is highly recommended.

Quick facts

  • Typical fees for legal representation can vary widely.
  • Jurisdiction is typically federal, under immigration law.
  • Possible penalties include deportation and bans on re-entry.

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

Criminal removal is the deportation of an alien based on a criminal conviction under immigration law.