Criminal offenses can have a chilling effect on an immigrant’s opportunities in the United States. Charges can cost an immigrant with an employment visa their job, putting their lawful status at risk. Crimes committed in another country may turn up on a background report and prevent them from securing a visa or green card. Crimes committed while living in the United States could make them ineligible to renew their visas or adjust their status.
Especially serious offenses might provide grounds for removal or deportation proceedings. Felonies and violent crimes, as well as drug offenses, can affect an immigrant’s status. Do immigrants also need to worry about driving under the influence (DUI) allegations if the charge does not relate to a crash where others sustained injuries?
A DUI is not a minor matter
Most of the time, a DUI that does not involve injury to others is not a felony. However, it is still a serious criminal offense. If the immigrant accused of impaired driving has a prior conviction, their lawful status could be at risk.
The rules regarding immigration include habitual drunkenness and substance abuse disorders among the conditions that might prevent immigrants from entering or staying in the United States. While a single DUI conviction does not automatically affect an immigrant’s status or future opportunities, two or more DUI convictions could lead to deportation or an inability to renew their visa in the future.
Immigrants facing criminal charges may need help fighting against those charges to protect their status. Partnering with a criminal defense attorney who also understands immigration matters can be valuable for people with visas or green cards accused of drunk driving.