Common Reasons That People Get Deported From the U.S.

 Posted on June 20, 2026 in English

Deportation, known as removal, happens when the U.S. government orders a non-citizen to leave the country. It can happen to people who have lived here for many years, have families here, and have built their entire lives in the United States. There are many reasons that people are deported, but some are more common than others. If you have questions about deportation, a national deportation defense lawyer can help you understand what is happening and what options may still be available.

Can a Criminal Conviction Lead to Deportation?

Federal immigration law, specifically 8 U.S.C. Section 1227, lists the types of criminal convictions that can make a non-citizen eligible for deportation. The offense does not have to be violent for this rule to apply.

Some of the crimes that can trigger deportation include aggravated felonies, which may include certain theft offenses, drug trafficking crimes, and fraud offenses that meet specific federal immigration definitions.  Crimes involving moral turpitude, which is a legal term for conduct that is dishonest or harmful to others, also qualify. Drug offenses can lead to deportation even at the misdemeanor level. Domestic violence convictions, violations of protective orders, and firearms offenses are also on the list.

What catches many people off guard is that a conviction from years ago can still be used as a basis for deportation today. If you have an old conviction and are not sure whether it puts your immigration status at risk, talking to an attorney as soon as possible is the right move.

Can You Be Deported for Overstaying a Visa?

Staying in the United States past the date on your visa or entry document is one of the most straightforward paths to deportation. Under 8 U.S.C. Section 1227(a)(1), non-citizens who are present in the U.S. in violation of immigration law are deportable.

Overstaying can also create bars to returning to the United States in the future. Overstaying by more than 180 days can trigger a three-year bar on reentry. Overstaying for more than one year can trigger a ten-year bar. These consequences make it critical to address any status issues before they get worse.

How Does Fraud Lead to Deportation?

If a non-citizen is found to have used false information or fake documents to obtain an immigration benefit, they can be placed in removal proceedings.

The types of conduct that fall into this category include filling out an immigration application with false information, entering a marriage solely for the purpose of obtaining a green card, and using another person's identity documents to gain an immigration benefit. Each of these situations can lead to deportation.

What makes this especially important to understand is that the fraud does not have to be recent. If something that happened years ago is discovered today, it can still be used as a reason to pursue removal. Time passing does not erase the risk.

Can a Green Card Holder Be Deported?

Having a green card does not guarantee that you can stay in the United States permanently. A lawful permanent resident can still face deportation if they are convicted of certain crimes, fail to maintain their status, or if the government finds out their green card was obtained through fraud or misrepresentation.

Many green card holders have lived in the United States for decades and have deep roots here. That history can be a factor in your defense, but it does not automatically protect you from removal proceedings. The stakes are especially high for long-time residents because the impact of deportation on their families can be devastating.

What Should You Do if You Are Facing Deportation in 2026?

If you or someone you love has received a Notice to Appear or is otherwise facing removal proceedings, the most important step is to contact an immigration attorney right away. Do not miss any court dates. Failing to appear in immigration court can result in an order of removal being entered against you in your absence, which is very difficult to undo.

Gather any documents that could help your case, including proof of how long you have lived in the U.S., evidence of family ties here, records of employment and community involvement, and any documentation that supports a claim for relief. The more organized your records are, the easier it is for your attorney to build the strongest possible defense.

Contact Our National Immigration Attorney Today

Facing deportation is one of the most frightening things a person and their family can go through. You should not have to face it without experienced support on your side. Our firm is a full-service immigration law practice with more than 20 years of experience helping people fight removal and find a path to staying in the country they call home. We are supportive, thorough, and committed to guiding you through every step of the process. Contact a national deportation defense lawyer at Immigration Legal Advisors, PLLC by calling 571-441-2233 to talk through your situation today. Hablamos español.