When you apply for a U.S. visa or green card, your criminal record becomes a crucial factor. Crimes involving moral turpitude (CIMT) are offenses that demonstrate depravity and violate society’s moral standards, potentially barring you from entering or remaining in the United States.
Understanding which crimes fall into this category is essential for your immigration journey. These offenses can lead to deportation, denial of citizenship or refusal of entry. Courts generally define CIMTs as acts showing inherent baseness that harm others or violate accepted moral standards.
1. Theft and fraud
Theft of any amount, from petty theft to grand larceny, qualifies as a crime of moral turpitude. If you’ve been convicted of taking another’s property dishonestly, immigration officials will view this as evidence of poor moral character. Similarly, fraud cases like identity theft and financial scams demonstrate deception for personal gain, creating significant obstacles for your visa application.
2. Violent crimes
Aggravated assault or battery convictions, especially those involving weapons or serious injury, severely impact your immigration prospects. Domestic violence, including spousal and child abuse, is particularly problematic because it shows disregard for vulnerable family members.
3. Sexual offenses
Sexual crimes carry some of the harshest immigration consequences. Rape, sexual conduct with minors and incest demonstrate profound moral depravity that can permanently bar your entry into the United States.
4. Drug-related offenses
While driving under the influence of alcohol typically doesn’t qualify as a CIMT, drug-related DUI charges often do, especially in federal cases. This distinction highlights the importance of understanding how different offenses are classified.
You may qualify for the petty offense exception if you have committed one minor offense with no other criminal record. However, immigration law is complex, and each case has unique circumstances. If you have any criminal history, you should seek legal guidance to understand how it might affect your visa or immigration application and explore available options.