¿Can traffic fines cause deportation in the United States?
- paola vanessa romero rondon
- Jun 5
- 4 min read
Many immigrant individuals in the United States wonder whether a traffic fine or violation could jeopardize their stay in the country. This article explains which types of violations affect your immigration status and how to protect yourself if you have already had an issue with the law.
Minor traffic fines: ¿Can I be deported for this?
NO. In general, minor traffic fines are not grounds for deportation. These include:
Speeding
Parking in a prohibited area
Failing to pay a traffic ticket on time
These offenses are not considered serious criminal offenses under immigration law. Furthermore, current ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) policies prioritize the deportation of individuals with serious criminal records or those who pose a threat to public safety.
IMPORTANT: If you ignore a fine and do not pay it, it can turn into a bigger problem, such as an arrest warrant. Therefore, resolve all fines as soon as possible.
¿What violations can affect your immigration status?
ASome violations can jeopardize your immigration status, especially if there is recidivism or they are considered criminal offenses.
Examples of serious violations:
Driving without a license repeatedly.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI or DWI).
Evading the police or resisting arrest.
Crimes related to violence, fraud, or drugs.
These can be considered:
Crimes involving moral turpitude (CIMTs)
Aggravated offenses under the Immigration Law.
What consequences could there be?
Detention by ICE.
Inability to fix paperwork (DACA, TPS, residency).
Denial of deportation cancellation.
For example, a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) with aggravating factors (such as causing injury to others or being a repeat offender) can trigger a deportation proceeding.
The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) allows the deportation of immigrants who:
Commit aggravated felonies.
Commit crimes of moral turpitude.
Violate drug laws (including simple possession in some states).
A single misdemeanor does not always lead to deportation, but multiple minor offenses can increase the risk.
Additionally, ICE has discretion, meaning they can consider other factors such as:
Your conduct history.
How long you have been in the country.
If you have citizen family members.
If you are a risk to the community.
¿What should I do if I have violations?
Do not ignore any violation. Take action with these steps:
Pay all outstanding fines.
Consult with an immigration lawyer.
Request your criminal record (rap sheet).
Request your immigration FOIA to know how the government views you.
Do not repeat the violations. Even minor offenses, if repeated, can complicate your case.
Having a traffic ticket does not mean you will be deported. However, when there are serious criminal records or repeated violations, your immigration situation can be affected.
The most important thing is to stay informed, act responsibly, and seek legal help when necessary.
Preguntas Frecuentes (FAQ)
¿Can I be deported for driving without a license?
If it’s just once, it usually doesn’t cause deportation. But if you do it several times, it can lead to immigration problems.
¿Can a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) cost me my residency?
Yes. Especially if there were injuries, someone died, or if you already have a criminal record. Consult a lawyer immediately.
¿What happens if I don’t pay a fine?
It can turn into a court order or an arrest, which can result in a criminal record and put your immigration status at risk.
¿What is a crime of moral turpitude?
It is a crime involving immoral behavior, such as fraud, theft, violence, or breach of trust. It can make you inadmissible or deportable.
¿Can I fix my immigration papers if I have violations?
It depends on the type of violation. Some don’t affect it. But a lawyer should review your case before starting a immigration process.
¿Do you need a lawyer to help you get your papers in the United States?
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