Many immigrants come to the U.S. for economic opportunity and to achieve a better standard of living. America holds many different opportunities and has produced so many innovations in manufacturing, financial services, technology and other industries. This has attracted people from across the world. Undocumented workers have been a vital labor force for many sectors of the economy, including meat processing, agriculture and industrial trades.
Risks to immigrants
Most undocumented immigrants and green card workers are very careful not break any laws because it places so many things at risk. According to the Pew Trusts, first-generation immigrants are far less likely to commit crimes than naturalized U.S. citizens. A criminal charge and conviction can result in a job loss, separation from family and financial troubles. The government classifies the following as serious crimes that may initiate a deportation hearing.
Moral turpitude crimes
According to the federal and state governments, these crimes are significant and substantial. All moral turpitude crimes are not listed below. Some examples include:
The federal government states that these crimes violate American community standards. As a crime of moral turpitude, an undocumented worker may face other charges and consequences.
Aggravated felony
Many of these crimes involve willful intent to violate the law. Aggravated felonies often initiate deportation proceedings for undocumented workers.
Most undocumented workers made a very difficult and perilous journey to get to the United States. They want to make the most of the opportunity and remain in the country. If an immigrant does commit one of the crimes listed above, his or her future in the U.S. is far from certain. However, most do not want to jeopardize everything they worked so hard to achieve.
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