In 1996 Congress passed the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act (AEDPA) which expanded the offenses deemed "aggravated felonies" and the grounds of removal.

Less than six months later, Congress passed the Illegal Immigration Reform & immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRAIRA) which again significant expanded what is an "aggravated" Felony.

The result is that there are more than ever an increased number and types of criminal convictions that could make you deportable. Having a "greencard" is NOT the same as being a citizen and you can still be deported for a criminal conviction. Even if it is not a felony under criminal law. it could be an aggravated felony under immigration law.

Before you accept a plea agreement, it is critical that you meet with an immigration attorney to see how a conviction may impact your life in this country.

If you have past criminal convictions. you should meet with an immigration attorney before you leave the country or before you apply for citizenship.

Our office is well-versed in the ways that criminal laws and immigration laws interact. Contact our office to schedule an in depth consultation so that you can make an educated decision about your situation.