Can a felon come back to the US?

Asked by: Malika Prohaska  |  Last update: March 28, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (2 votes)

If you were deported because of an aggravated felony, most likely, you will be barred from entering the U.S. for 20 years. If you were removed for a lesser charge, you need only wait for five or ten years before applying for a waiver.

Can a convicted felon return to the US?

In most cases, individuals with a criminal record will not be eligible to enter the USA unless they have secured a criminal waiver of inadmissibility along with a relevant US visa. Minor offenses may not pose a problem, but serious crimes like drug trafficking or terrorism can lead to inadmissibility.

What is the 5 year ban from entering the US?

5-year ban: If you were immediately removed upon illegally entering the U.S., you could face a five year ban. 10-year ban: If you were ordered to be removed by a judge and left the U.S. while the order was pending, you could face a ten year ban.

How long does a felony stay on your record in the USA?

If you've been convicted of a felony, it will generally stay on your criminal record for life. However, it is possible to have your record removed from public view through a process known as expungement.

Can a US citizen be denied reentry to the US?

Denied ntry no, A US Citizen always has the right to re enter the United States. That is not to say if they through some unfathomable set of circumstances turn up at a point of entry without any documentation. They will not be detained until it can be ascertained that they are indeed a citizen.

Wait! You can still come to the U.S. as an aggravated felon?

15 related questions found

What is the 10 year rule for immigration?

In some situations, the 3- or 10-year immigration rule may be the reason for that. Individuals who voluntarily leave the country after being present in the US unlawfully for more than a year are prohibited from returning for three- or ten-year periods, depending on the length of their unlawful presence.

Can a U.S. citizen be denied entry back into the U.S. without a passport?

All U.S. citizens need U.S. passport books if re-entering by air. Land and sea border crossings accept additional travel documents, such as U.S. Passport cards and Trusted Traveler cards.

Do felonies go away after 7 years?

Dismissed felony charges can usually be sealed or expunged right away. In California, a felony conviction stays on your record forever if you do not get it expunged. You may be eligible for an expungement if you did not serve time in state prison.

Can you get a passport with a felony?

Most convicted felons in the US can obtain a passport after completing their sentence. That said, certain felony convictions can still disqualify you from getting a passport. Other reasons for being denied a US passport include failing to pay child support or having significant outstanding federal tax debts.

Do felonies go away after 7 years in New York?

For a misdemeanor, records will be sealed three years after conviction or release from jail. For a felony, records will be sealed eight years after conviction or release from prison. Individuals must maintain a clean record and be no longer on probation or parole in order to qualify for record sealing.

What is the 7 year rule for immigration?

During the seven-year period of potential eligibility, non-citizens are expected to work toward becoming U.S. citizens. If they do not, eligibility will stop after seven years.

How much jail time for illegal reentry?

The basic statutory maximum penalty for reentry after deportation is a fine under title 18, imprisonment for not more than 2 years, or both.

Can a deported person come back legally by marrying a citizen?

Can a deported person come back legally by marrying a citizen? Often yes (unless prior marriage fraud) after an immigrant petition approved and waiver(s) granted.

Can you come back from a felony?

While the consequences of a felony conviction in California can be severe and long-lasting, there are some options available for individuals to potentially restore their lost rights and regain their footing in society. One potential avenue is the process of dismissal, also known as expungement.

What is the most common cause of deportation?

Some of the most common reasons for deportation are: An individual violates the terms of their immigration status (green card, nonimmigrant visa, etc.) An individual was inadmissible at the time where they entered the country or adjusted their status.

Can you become a US citizen after a felony?

Permanent Bars to US Citizenship

While there are temporary bars to US citizenship, there are also permanent bars that would prevent you from gaining US citizenship entirely. For example, if you were convicted of murder or an aggravated felony on or after November 29, 1990, you are not eligible to become a US citizen.

Can a felon go on a cruise?

Cruise Line Background Checks

As a result, you could be denied boarding if you are a sex offender or have a violent felony conviction on your record, such as for armed robbery.

Can a felon join the military?

Generally, felons and those with several convictions can't join the Army, but waivers are available in some cases. The offenses and moral behavior-related issues that cannot be waived include: If you are under civil restraint, including parole, confinement, or probation.

Can you fly with a felony charge?

Can Convicted Felons Travel? Yes, but it depends on your country of citizenship. If you're a US citizen, then yes. You can travel to most countries worldwide as long as you have a passport and a visa (if necessary).

Does a felony stay with you for life?

A felony will stay on your record forever in California unless you choose to take action and get the conviction removed. This is called the “expungement process” and generally requires the help of a legal representative to get underway.

How far back do most background checks go?

Employment background checks can typically go back as far as seven to ten years, though that timeframe can vary depending on the type of check, the position being applied for, industry regulations and state or local laws.

How long are you considered a felon?

A felony charge will stay on your record for life. The only way to remove a felony from your record is through a strict process called expungement (more on expungement below).

Is advance parole still available?

If you have a pending Form I-131, you do not need to file a new application. We will continue to issue advance parole documents to aliens with pending initial applications for TPS (Form I-821).

What happens if you are denied entry to the US?

In most cases you will be required to return home and, depending on why you were denied entry, you may need to apply for a waiver of ineligibility, for example, if you have a criminal conviction.