Immigration and Criminal Records

Studies on immigrants with criminal records show that at least 20% of immigrants who are arrested at U.S. borders have criminal records ranging from serious crimes to misdemeanors. These detainees who often file for immigration bonds, face an uphill battle in the immigration process.

The issue is not just about immigrants being arrested at border either, there are legal immigrants with criminal records that worry they won’t be granted permanent residency, and illegals who face deportation from detainment centers from previous run-ins with the law. Nationwide immigration bail bonds may grant temporary freedom, but it is ultimately up to the immigrants to show up to trial and answer for their crimes.

If any legal or illegal immigrant has faced criminal charges at any point, they might find it difficult to remain in the United States. For lesser crimes, immigrants with criminal records have to show good moral character. The requirements for showing good moral character are vaguely defined on the USCIS website, and states that the immigrant must be shown to have measured up to the standards of the community in which they reside.

If you have been arrested or plead guilty to any crimes within five years of applying for citizenship, you may find it difficult to receive citizenship status. Advice for immigrants with criminal records is to hold off from applying for citizenship until they can show that they are in good moral standing (volunteering, regular employment, community involvement) or at least until five years has passed since the original offense. 

If you or a loved one is in need of an immigration bail bond, contact US Immigration Bonds and Insurance Services and find out about our same-day release, as well as other resources for proving good moral.