Study: Undocumented Immigrants Are Less Likely To Commit Crimes Than Native Born Citizens – But The Consequences Are More Severe

In a story discussing the Southern Border crisis, U.S. refugee, asylum and immigration policies, CBS Sunday Morning reported that according to a study by the United States Department of Justice:

• A study of Texas arrest data found that undocumented immigrants had substantially lower crime rates than native-born citizens and legal immigrants – across a variety of felony offenses.
• The study concludes:
  “Relative to undocumented immigrants, U.S.-born citizens are two times more likely to be arrested for violent crimes… 2.5 times more likely to be arrested for drug offenses – and more than four times more likely to be arrested for property crimes.”

– CBS Sunday Morning

Undocumented Immigrants and Criminal Charges

For undocumented immigrants, criminal charges can significantly impact their immigration status. If convicted, non-citizen immigrants may face removal proceedings, also known as deportation. Additionally, non-citizen immigrants who are found guilty of certain crimes may be inadmissible and barred from entering the United States in the future.

Immigration Consequences of Criminal Charges
The types of criminal charges that may impact an undocumented immigrant’s immigration status depend on the type of charges and the severity. Some criminal charges, such as minor traffic offenses, may not lead to deportation. But certain charges, including drug possession, domestic violence, sexual offenses, crimes of moral turpitude or felonies can lead to severe immigration consequences.

How an Immigration Attorney Can Help
In such cases, seeking the services of an experienced immigration attorney is crucial. A skilled immigration attorney can help undocumented immigrants understand their options. An attorney can work to lessen the impact of criminal charges, and provide guidance on seeking waivers and defenses.

Are you an undocumented or an immigrant legally permitted to live in the United States who was charged with a crime in Illinois? You can protect your family and your American Dream by consulting an experienced crimmigration lawyer. We have experience in both immigration law and criminal defense. Even if you are found innocent of the criminal charges, without an experienced crimmigration lawyer on your side, your American Dream can be at risk.

Know Your Rights: Hire A Crimmigration Lawyer

Are you or a loved one an immigrant and are charged with a crime? Call an attorney experienced in criminal and immigration law. Our Illinois crimmigration attorneys and deportation defense lawyers at Godoy Law Office practice criminal defense and immigration law. Call our crimmigration lawyers at 630-912-0322.