In this video, we’re going to discuss how the immigration office treats an expungement. An expungement is the process by which a public criminal record is ordered destroyed by the courts. Each state has its own process and laws regarding expungement. At the office, we help out our clients with petitions to expunge in Illinois. Now, there are limits to an order to expunge. They do not remove the records from the press, online, websites, social media, or private agencies. However, they do work to remove the public record for the arresting police department and also from the court clerk’s office.
Now, immigration doesn’t like expungements when you are not a US citizen. The immigration office still looks at whether that offense counts as a conviction for immigration purposes. The officer will also not take into account how the state treats or labels those convictions. There are many times that officers have asked us to obtain records for cases that have been expunged by a court. We help our clients with this process as well. Now, if you have a criminal record it is important to meet with an attorney to determine the immigration consequences before you file that petition with the immigration office. If you need help in this area, please call us for a consultation.
