What Crimes Can Get Your Green Card Revoked in California?
July 21, 2025 | Nafiz M. Ahmed
Obtaining a green card, officially known as “lawful permanent residency,” is a significant milestone for many immigrants in California. It provides the legal right to live and work in the United States indefinitely and is often a step toward full citizenship.
However, certain criminal offenses can lead to the revocation of your green card and even result in deportation. Understanding which crimes jeopardize your immigration status is important to protecting your status as a lawful resident.
Below is an overview of the types of crimes that can result in green card revocation and removal proceedings.
1. Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude (CIMT)
One of the most common reasons for green card revocation is being convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude (CIMT). This broad category of crimes generally involves dishonesty, fraud, or behavior considered morally reprehensible.
Examples include:
- Fraud (e.g., welfare fraud, insurance fraud)
- Theft (e.g., burglary, shoplifting, grand theft)
- Assault with intent to harm
- Domestic violence offenses
If a lawful permanent resident is convicted of a CIMT within five years of admission to the United States, they may be subject to deportation. Multiple CIMT convictions can also trigger removal proceedings.
2. Aggravated Felonies
Under federal immigration law, “aggravated felonies” carry severe consequences, including mandatory deportation and permanent inadmissibility to the United States. This classification is broader than it sounds, encompassing offenses that may not be considered felonies under California law.
Examples of aggravated felonies include:
- Drug trafficking
- Firearm offenses
- Sexual abuse of a minor
- Murder or manslaughter
- Certain types of fraud exceeding $10,000 in loss
- Rape
Even a conviction for an aggravated felony after years of lawful residency can result in immediate green card revocation and removal from the United States, with very limited options for relief.
3. Drug-Related Offenses
California has more lenient laws regarding marijuana use compared to federal law, but immigrants must be cautious. A conviction for a drug offense under federal law, including marijuana-related offenses, can result in the loss of your green card.
Even misdemeanor possession of controlled substances, except for a single offense of simple marijuana possession under 30 grams, can trigger removal.
Drug trafficking or intent to distribute, regardless of the drug type, almost always leads to deportation.
4. Domestic Violence and Related Offenses
California takes domestic violence, child abuse, stalking, and related offenses seriously, and so does U.S. immigration law. A conviction for any of these offenses can be grounds for deportation.
Even if the offense is considered a misdemeanor under California law, it can still have severe immigration repercussions.
5. Other Deportable Offenses
Many other offenses can lead to green card revocation, including:
- Firearms offenses
- Espionage
- Terrorist activities
- Human trafficking
- Crimes of child pornography
Green card holders in California should avoid all types of serious criminal activity to minimize the risk of their green cards being revoked.
Contact an Experienced Redwood City Criminal Defense Lawyer for Help Defending Against Charges
Green card holders in California must exercise extreme caution when facing criminal charges. Even minor offenses at the state level can have life-altering consequences on your immigration status.
If you are arrested or charged with a crime, consult a Redwood City criminal defense attorney immediately, who can:
- Investigate the circumstances of the alleged offense
- Gather evidence for your defense
- Challenge any unlawfully obtained evidence of the alleged crime
- Handle all communications and negotiations with prosecutors
- Work to obtain a dismissal or reduction in the charges
Contact Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys today to schedule a free consultation to learn more about your rights and options for avoiding green card revocation or removal after being charged with a crime.
Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys – San Jose Office
1625 The Alameda, Suite 405, San Jose, CA 95126
(408) 217-8818
Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys – Redwood City Office
600 Allerton St Suite 201G, Redwood City, CA 94063
(650) 299-0500