Does expungement help immigration?

While expunging misdemeanor records assist individuals in job and housing searches, the immigration effects of most convictions remain intact. If an immigrant is convicted of simple possession of a controlled substance, a dismissal of that conviction will erase that conviction as grounds for deportation.

Can immigration see dismissed cases?

Immigration will be aware of these charges, even if the criminal court believes them to be dismissed. It is possible that the immigration authority will not consider it to be a dismissal.

Can U.S. immigration see criminal record?

As part of the visa / green card process, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will check for criminal records for both the U.S. citizen or green card holder sponsoring his or her family member, and the family member applying to receive a green card.

Can other countries see expunged records?

Expungement or sealing of your record would not prevent your criminal record from showing up at a government agency. An expungement only keeps employers from seeing the record and the record will still show up when you are traveling outside of the United States.

Can you become a U.S. citizen with a criminal record?

In most cases, they will need to wait for five years after the date of the crime before applying for citizenship, or possibly three years in some situations. USCIS retains the discretion to deny your application if it feels that your criminal record shows that you do not have good moral character.

Can expunged criminal records affect my immigration application?

Even if your criminal records were expunged or sealed, past crimes may still cause you trouble with immigration applications. An “expungement” is the deletion of a person’s entire criminal conviction record from any court, police record, or criminal justice agency.

Can I immigrate to the United States with a criminal record?

For immigration purposes a criminal conviction will always exist, expunged or not. That said, if you do have a criminal record, you might still be able to immigrate to the United States.

What is an expungement and how does it work?

An “expungement” is the deletion of a person’s entire criminal conviction record from any court, police record, or criminal justice agency.

How do I get my record expunged in California?

California allows people who have been convicted of certain crimes to have their conviction expunged from their record. An expungement is a legal process that allows you to petition the court to review your record, set aside the conviction and dismiss your case.