What does a conviction for an aggravated felony mean?
The seriousness of being classified as an aggravated felon goes far beyond the stigma attached to such a label – it can mean permanent exile from the United States with no means of lawfully returning. Other consequences include: • Ineligible to stop deportation. Many other deportable offenses allow a non-citizen to be able to apply for “waivers” or exceptions to deportation. But no exceptions are available to aggravated felons. • Unable to apply for other legal immigration status. Many persons with other violations, including some criminal violations that make them deportable, remain eligible to apply for asylum, lawful permanent residence (green card), and other routes to legal status spelled out in the INA if they meet other qualifications. Aggravated felons are disqualified from almost every provision of the law that would enable them to legalize their status or to retain existing legal status, such as a green card. Aliens convicted of aggravated felonies after November 29, 1990, ar
