When Do Criminal Convictions Trigger Deportation?
President Obama’s action in November 2014 to expand the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was highly controversial.
Our focus on this page, however, is not political theatrics. We seek to address a very real concern among thousands of people in the immigrant community: How do criminal convictions affect DACA eligibility?
A Law Firm at the Intersection of Criminal Law and Immigration
At the Law Offices of Anthony J. Pullara, in Torrance, we provide aggressive defense for immigrants charged with criminal offenses. Our firm also assists immigration lawyers across the country in contesting criminal convictions in California that carry serious immigration consequences.
Attorney Anthony Pullara has more than 25 years of experience handling this type of work. We are here to guide you toward the course of action that makes sense for you regarding participation in the DACA program.
Expansion of DACA
The expansion of DACA in November 2014 removed the age limit of 30. If you are over 30 and entered the U.S. before Jan. 1, 2010, you may now be eligible for the program. You will be among an estimated 330,000 people in the expanded group.
In other words, the expanded program will allow deportation protection for many unauthorized parents of U.S. citizens.
Effect of Criminal Convictions on Deportation Protections
But what about criminal convictions? Do certain convictions disqualify you from DACA eligibility? As we explained on our basic DACA page, there are many distinctions involved here.
For example, it isn’t only felonies that can generally prevent you from benefiting from DACA protections. There are also offenses that the Department of Homeland Security considers to be “significant misdemeanors” that can lead to a denial of a DACA application.
If you are confused about where you stand, that is understandable. This is why we offer a initial consultation, so that you can talk with us about your unique circumstances and we can explain what your options are. Please give us call today at 213-614-1419 or by E-Mailing us at apullara@pullaralaw.com.
Credit cards accepted.
