Driving under the influence of drugs - immigration consequences

Source: http://www.nwaonline.com/news/2012/jun/24/driving-drugged/

What happens if you are convicted of a DUI (driving under the influence) based on drugs. An interesting discussion. If you have digested a drug, are you in possession of that drug for immigration purposes?

Steve presented the following scenario on Friday:
A client of ours, pled to that DUI (Xanax) in Arlington. He’s been LPR for 12 years, and the only things on his record are a Reckless Driving and the DUI, both from 2016. He wants to know about naturalization. My thought on this is that his only potential question has to do with Good Moral Character, and he should probably get some help explaining that he is a person of good moral character when he submits his N-400.

Here are Steve's discussion points:

a. First of all, don’t travel outside of the US right now. He can totally get picked up on the way back in.
b. Get everything associated with the DUI (ASAP, Restricted OL, etc.) taken care of and get clear of “court supervision,” which will be done in about 12 months.
c. Once he is fully clear of the DUI matter, get his ass into our office so we can help him get to work on his N-400. I wonder if you think he should even wait a little bit longer to apply to naturalize than I am suggesting.
d. Do you know if a LPR with convictions could wind up in Removal Proceedings by getting the attention of USCIS with the submission of a N-400?

My answer:
So the bottom line is this: a drug conviction is a permanent bar to naturalization, and a cause célèbre for deportation – even for an LPR. The code that deals with this is INA § 237(a)(2)(B)(i) (deportability). Admissibility is covered under State Manual on approving entry visas (see also: INA 212 drug convictions dealing with admissability).

Xanax is a schedule IV controlled substance as defined by 21 U.S.C. 802. Apparently, it is has low probability for abuse. Also, an argument can be made that a DUI is not a drug offense per se, and if there is no inquiry into what type of DUI it was, it may be possible to submit a disposition paper without mentioning xanax at all (the N400 adjudicator does not generally inquire into the substance of the offense if a disposition is provided). To constitute a drug offense, the statute is clear - you must be convicted of possession or distribution. There is nothing saying that ingestion constitutes possession under Federal Law.

As for good moral conduct, Ragoonanan v. USCIS, a 2007 US district court case out of Minnesota, held that one DUI conviction that results in a year of probation does not bar a good moral character finding. I’m not sure if the 4th Circuit has followed suit, but probably. You should expect a denial, followed by an appeal. It is important to show rehabilitation and regular ameliorating actions.

Do you have a question about DUI's, drug possession, or naturalization? Ask us! You may reach us at 1-800-579-9864 or admin@hanoverlawpc.com.

Hanover Law, PC
Offices in Fairfax, VA and Washington, DC
www.hanoverlawpc.com
2751 Prosperity Ave, Ste 150 Fairfax, VA 22031	Sean R. Hanover, Esq. Stephen Salwierak, Esq.
1-800-579-9864 admin@hanoverlawpc.com

Petty drug exception - admissions vs. deportability. NOT THE SAME.

Here's the scenario:

Steve was working with a client in VA state court. He asked for advice on the immigiration consequence. He said: There was a client of mine who was charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute (Marijuana) in Fairfax. We got the charge amended to straight Possession and plead guilty. He did a couple of weekends in exchange for the amended charge. He recently traveled out of the country (against our advice) and upon his return, was given a date to meet CBP out at Dulles. Bad news. I’ve already told him that he is almost certainly going to get a NTA, and possibly detained. I have a possible solution for him: The cop really liked the client, and was a huge help in getting the charge amended. There was also not very much pot at the time of the arrest. If I can get a statement from the cop that would get this within the de minimis range, we might even be able to head this off at the CBP level. Even if that didn’t work, we would have that for his defense in the eventual Removal Proceedings.

My thought is to go with him out to Dulles in November. Because he already paid us to defend him in the criminal case, and because he is very likely going to have to pay us to represent him in Removal Proceedings, I was thinking XX for the CBP meeting only. (Removal Proceedings is a whole new ball of wax.) I can try to get some help from the cop to see if we can kill this and keep our guy in the country and out of Farmville.

This is a great case to discuss the difference between INA 237 (deporability when in the US) and INA 212 (inadmissibility) concerning the petty exception.

Because the client is a returning alien, his entrance into the United States is controlled by INA 212 (restrictions on admissibility) as opposed to INA 237 (deportability once in the US). The petty exception is quite different. In 237, the exception covers marijuana at 30 grams or less. In 212, no drugs are permitted – the petty exception covers only CIMT’s whose max sentence is 1 year or less, and whose actual sentence (served or given) is 6 months or less. Because possession is not a CIMT, the petty exception under INA 212(a)(2)(A) won’t work. Because our fella is an LPR, there is a different type of waiver available for drug convictions. It actually applies to any drug conviction, not just 30 grams or less of marijuana.

The exception is found under INA 212(h). There are requirements for this, though, and I’m not sure he’ll meet them. In this case, he would have to have been an LPR for at least 15 years, or he would need to have an immediate family member who would suffer an extreme hardship. For petty drug offenses, these waivers are granted fairly routinely. However, he will have to sit in immigration court, and he will have to go to a trial. Extreme hardship will require the case to be prepared and litigated, and as you know, DHS will argue against it as a matter of course.

A frank discussion with the client will explain all this to him, and prepare him for the process. You won’t be able to head this off at the CBP level. They lack the statutory authority to approve (well, that’s technically not correct – acting on behalf of the Attorney General, a CBP officer could waive him in. Not likely, though). He need us to spearhead a 212(h) on his behalf.

Do you have a question about admissibility or CBP? We can help! Contact us at 1-800-579-9864 or admin@hanoverlawpc.com.

Hanover Law, PC
Offices in Fairfax, VA and Washington, DC
www.hanoverlawpc.com
2751 Prosperity Ave, Ste 150 Fairfax, VA 22031	Sean R. Hanover, Esq. Stephen Salwierak, Esq.
1-800-579-9864 admin@hanoverlawpc.com

Notario Fraud - a discussion on what to do (this one is different!)

In the immigration community, you commonly hear about Notario's scamming innocent immigrants in the US. Often, the Notario is a not trained in law at all, and for a large sum of money, files the wrong papers and causes no end of trouble for the immigrant. Of course, this is not always the case. Some Notarios are quite competent and very public in their assistance to the immigrant community. Regardless, there is no such thing as a "notario" in the US. Each and every one of them is unlawfully practicing law (usually really badly).

So, what happens when a notario comes to you with an immigration issue? What happens when the bad-guy comes looking for assistance? We do considerable work in the immigration and criminal defense sectors. I had a chance to discuss this with a good colleague of mine, Mr. Franchesco Martinez, Esq (not a Notario!) from North Carolina. He brought up this case, and I thought a wider audience could benefit from our question and answer parley:

The substance of the questions are as follows:

I have a PC who wants to see if he still has a GC, wants to know if naturalization is possible, and wants to know if he has any deportation orders. I know this sounds broad, but PC has no idea what to do now. PC was in Federal prison - the family member who spoke to me mentioned "Convicted of Notario Fraud" in a very brief sentence. Apparently, the potential client was in jail for four years.

I want to read up on the effects of Notario Fraud. Is general "fraud" all I have to consider? Does anyone have a good, go-to, online source for "notario fraud"? Would a FIOA be beneficial to answer if PC still has a GC or if a deportation occurred while in prison or sometime thereafter?

First, a couple of basic principals. When things look weird, always get a FOIA. There you go.

Secondly, never trust you know everything you need to know about the client's chargeserr…more politically correct: client’s have trouble remembering things).

Thirdly, a green card (LPR) can only be revoked by a judge. However, a federal judge could technically revoke status – so, you need a copy of the sentencing papers from federal court. If there is nothing in the FOIA return about an immigration determination, than guess what? He still is technically an LPR. However…

The mere status as “one who is an LPR” really doesn’t do much without the credentials. An I-90 would be very risky in this instance, as it requires biometrics.

This seems obvious, but…no, he can’t travel. Ever. If he gets picked up on a return trip from overseas, he will be held without bail. Period. Basta. Ende da storio.

So – as for notario fraud, such a thing does not exist to my knowledge. There is no charge for “notario” – that is a term used in a foreign countries to denote an official empowered by the state to conduct certain legal business. In the US, the charge would be unauthorized practice of law, coupled with a possible fraud count. Any description of “notario” would be in the arrest affidavits describing the nature of the offense, not the charge itself. Again, do nothing without court papers in hand, so the advice to get information is spot on.

Hanover Law, PC
Offices in Fairfax, VA and Washington, DC
www.hanoverlawpc.com
2751 Prosperity Ave, Ste 150 Fairfax, VA 22031	Sean R. Hanover, Esq. Stephen Salwierak, Esq.
1-800-579-9864 admin@hanoverlawpc.com

NEW IMMIGRATION RELIEF: DEFERRED ACTION FOR PARENTS

DACA expanded to parents of US Citizen or LPR children!

With his announcement last night, President Obama fundamentally changed the immigration landscape. If you are here illegally in the United States, and have a US Citizen or LPR child, you need to contact our Firm immediately. We can help you obtain legal status under the expanded DAP -- deferred action for parents program. The components of DAP are:

1. You must have been continuously present in the United States since 01 January 2010.
2. You must have a US Citizen or LPR (green-card holder) son or daughter.
3. You must not have any serious criminal matter (generally defined as no misdemeanors or felonies -- some exceptions).
4. You must not be an "enforcement priority" -- generally defined as a national security risk, criminal, repeat immigration offender, or gang member.

See: DHS Memorandum on expanded DACA/DAP

The filing cost is $465. This includes the cost of the EAD (employment authorization document) and biometrics. The actual application itself is free. Hanover Law is completing DAP applications for $750 (not including the filing fees) each -- or both mother and father together for $1000 + filing fees. Folks -- that includes preparing the package and shepherding the paperwork through the system. Let us help you, as we helped hundreds of DACA applicants. We can't guarantee any result -- that's up to the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the President. However, we can promise a properly submitted application that has the best chance of success. Don't take any risks with this!

Like DACA, you do not get to apply twice. If you are denied DAP, there is no appeal or second application. DO NOT make the mistake of carelessly applying, or waiting too long. This will take some time for DHS/USCIS to get the process properly perfected -- you want to be in the front of the line to take advantage of this program -- not waiting years to get your work permit.

Once approved, DAP is valid for three years. This includes you right to work in the United States for three years, and further, to get a driver's license. Let us help you!

Contact Hanover Law today at 1-800-579-9864 to begin gathering information for the DAP process. Be ready when submissions are accepted -- get legal status and join the millions who enjoy the benefit of working, living, and thriving in the United States.

Hanover Law, PC
Offices in Fairfax, VA and Washington, DC
www.hanoverlawpc.com		Lili O'connell, Esq. Abby Archer, Esq.
888 16th St., NW Ste 800 Washington, DC 20006	2751 Prosperity Ave, Ste 580 Fairfax, VA 22031	Sean R. Hanover, Esq. Stephen Salwierak, Esq.
1-800-579-9864	admin@hanoverlawpc.com	Charles Hatley, Esq. Leigh Wells, Esq.

Stopped by CBP - Deferred Inspection

Deferred Inspection with CBP

In this instance, there are a couple of considerations. You should expect to be placed in removal proceedings. It does not sound like you will be charged with an aggravated felony. First, this does not appear to be a crime of violence, and secondly, as you described it, it sounds like you received straight probation. As such, under sec. 1101(a)(48)(b), this probably wouldn't be an aggravated felony anyway (called "agg-fel" in our parlance).

Now, if this is NOT an aggravated felony, you might qualify for various types of relief when put into removal proceedings.

CBP and LPR -- what happens at a "deferred inspection"

Interesting case recently. A client called us with a not-to-uncommon problem. On the way back from visiting an ailing relative in Costa Rica, the family was stopped at Dulles International Airport (a la Virginia). The dreaded hand gesture was made by an immigration border officer to "go to line B". Deferred inspection is in your future.

When Custom and Border Patrol (CBP) takes your passport and gives you a date to return to talk to them -- that is deferred inspection.

So what happens? You get a deferred inspection when you have criminal incidents in your past that could reasonably lead to inadmissibility into the United States. Eh, you say? What is THAT!?

So first, a discussion on crime and immigration. Remember, no matter how old your criminal convictions they are still eligible for immigration review. There is no "ignore after certain date" -- although, there are crimes that are treated differently if your convictions fall before 1990 (among others). That notwithstanding, remember that CBP can review ANY crime convicted at ANY time. However, the crime MUST have resulted in a conviction.

When speaking of crimes, it is important to remember that any crime that has a detention or deferred sentence (suspended sentence) of 12 months or more is considered an aggravated felony, and constitutes inadmissibility on its face. That's bad.

Certain crimes can be waived under the petty exception for CIMT's. Remember that time when you were busted for shoplifting and served 30 days in the brig? Likely, a single offense can be ignored and you will not be found inadmissible.

When you go for your interview, bring a lawyer, and if you can afford one, bring a book. Whoops -- that was backwards, but I'm biased. You will be waiting for quite some time. While you are obligated to be on time for your 11AM deferred inspection, CBP will often stall and you won't be seen until 2pm! Or later. Can you sense my frustration? Baah.

Why do you need a lawyer? Well, a lawyer cannot change the law. If you have an aggravated felony, or you have been smuggling little children into the country, there is nothing the attorney nor the CBP officer can do -- our hands are tied, and the law says you will be found inadmissible. However, an attorney can make a good argument to NOT HAVE YOU DETAINED. CBP will contact ICE once they determine you are inadmissible. It is up to ICE -- not CBP -- whether you shall be detained (sent to jail while you wait for your immigration trial). NOTE -- that an aggravated felony cannot be bonded out. So, having your attorney get CBP to argue that you should NOT be detained (when speaking to ICE) is worth its weight in gold. CBP can make a good argument to have ICE just ignore you. You do NOT want to be detained. While this does not always work, it can ONLY work when you have an attorney.

When you leave (non-detained), you will have a court date from your Notice to Appear (NTA)and you should meet with your attorney to plan your case (see my posting on what to expect at your first immigration court hearing). If you are detained, you will be taken to an immigration detention center and "booked" directly from the deferred inspection meeting. You will then be given your NTA while detained, and need to get in touch with your attorney, who will need to come and meet you at the detention center. Do you need help with a CBP or deferred inspection? You came to the right place! We have considerable experience helping walk clients through tough situations. We'll walk through each step and help you get the best possible results.

http://www.hanoverlawpc.com
703-402-2723

Sean R. Hanover, Esq.
Principal Attorney
The Hanover Law Firm is located in Washington, DC and Fairfax, VA. We practice
in both state and federal courts in VA, MD, and DC.