Although there are many reasons why individuals and families desire to immigrate to America each year, there also many reasons why people may be deemed ineligible to receive an American visa or admission into the country. In our previous blog post, we discussed the various medical grounds for inadmissibility into the U.S. In today's blog post, we will look at how criminal history can impact eligibility for U.S. visas or admission.

Criminal history is one of the major factors that keep many potential immigrants from entering the U.S. An individual's criminal history is not only reviewed during the application process, but the severity, frequency and date of the criminal activity is also considered as well. For example, the conviction of certain crimes related to moral turpitude will usually result in inadmissibility, such as prostitution, selling or frequently abusing controlled substances, theft, assault or fraud.

If an individual is convicted of drug possession once, several years previously, then he or she may be allowed to enter the U.S., but recent or habitual drug abuse would deem them inadmissible. Also, if an individual has multiple criminal convictions, they would be considered inadmissible as well.

Finally, a growing number of individuals are ineligible for entry into the U.S. due to involvement with major international crimes, such as human trafficking. Unfortunately, this criminal activity is on the rise, so any involvement with human trafficking would lead to ineligibility to obtain a U.S. visa or entry into the country.

It is important for U.S. citizens and permanent residents to understand the factors that are considered when overseas relatives apply for entry or visas into the U.S. Many individuals and families have become victims of scam artists and unscrupulous attorneys that claim they can get relatives with criminal activity legal entry into the U.S. Christiansen Law Firm helps clarify U.S. immigration laws for clients and their relatives, and offers exceptional legal services for those individuals interested in applying for admission or U.S. visas. The Immigration Law attorneys of Christiansen Law Firm provide legal assistance during the application process and in court proceedings. Contact Christiansen Law Firm in the Houston or San Antonio offices for more information, or to schedule a free consultation.