Shoplifting and Immigration

[mobilestability 0]

In 2010 I was denied citizenship because of two prior shoplifting charges (one was dismissed/expunged when I did community service and the other was a fine I paid as a city ordinance). I have had green card since 2006 and permanent green card since 2008. I moved to Iowa and, unfortunately, have had three additional charges for shoplifting (one was dismissed when I attended a college class as a first time offender – well, in this state - , and the other two were pled guilty with a fine of about $270 each). I am now concerned that when I re-enter the U.S. I will be denied re-entry.

I am in the middle of a divorce with my husband and filed a restraining order in order to get him out of the house when he would not just move out. He has custody of one of my kids and I have custody of the one that he adopted but is mine by birth. My husband did get this son made a U.S. Citizen though. My husband is not working and we own a massage therapy business which I also was able to get him restrained from. If I travel out of the country (to Mongolia) with my son will I be kept from coming back to the U.S.? Since my son, who will be traveling with me is a U.S. citizen will he also be stopped? Will my soon to be ex-husband be called to get the child since he is a U.S. Citizen if I am not allowed to enter the country?

[Boiler 45,978]

You could certainly be refused entry.

Do you have his permission to take the child out of the Us

The child would not be refused entry.

[Anh map 2,098]

*Moved from Waivers and AP forum to Working and Traveling forum*

[SPSguy 18]

In 2010 I was denied citizenship because of two prior shoplifting charges (one was dismissed/expunged when I did community service and the other was a fine I paid as a city ordinance). I have had green card since 2006 and permanent green card since 2008. I moved to Iowa and, unfortunately, have had three additional charges for shoplifting (one was dismissed when I attended a college class as a first time offender – well, in this state - , and the other two were pled guilty with a fine of about $270 each). I am now concerned that when I re-enter the U.S. I will be denied re-entry.

I am in the middle of a divorce with my husband and filed a restraining order in order to get him out of the house when he would not just move out. He has custody of one of my kids and I have custody of the one that he adopted but is mine by birth. My husband did get this son made a U.S. Citizen though. My husband is not working and we own a massage therapy business which I also was able to get him restrained from. If I travel out of the country (to Mongolia) with my son will I be kept from coming back to the U.S.? Since my son, who will be traveling with me is a U.S. citizen will he also be stopped? Will my soon to be ex-husband be called to get the child since he is a U.S. Citizen if I am not allowed to enter the country?

I don't believe the USCIS will revoke your GC without advance notice. I also don't believe they will refuse you entry based on a couple of misdemeanors. If I were in your shoes however, I would look into professional counseling either through the State or private. Without passing judgement it is possible that you might have problems with shoplifting. Counseling will help on future petitions for US citizenship. ON your naturalization petition you will be asked to list all of your criminal records, AND which actions you took to rehabilitate...ie.. probation, training, counselling, etc..

America is a nation of self-help people. You are allowed to make mistakes but you need to learn from your mistakes.

[Sandra G. 5,057]

You will be fine. They give hard time involving moral turpitude,drugs with a sentence of one year or more etc... Immigration CANNOT deport a green card holder without the opportunity to argue the case before an immigration judge.

[tob187 11]

You have a problem shoplifting you need to see a doctor

[ceadsearc 516]

As far as I know they couldn't just deny you entry but they could detain you indefinitely until you see a judge who could then revoke your GC. Depending on the charge shoplifting can be a crime of moral turpitude and your numerous offenses show a severe disregard for US law.

Your USC child won't be denied entry. Yes, his father would most likely be called to get him if you were detained.