How Crime & Criminal Activities Affect Your Status (Ⅲ)

Crimes Affecting Finding of Good Moral Character

Being a person of good moral character appears to always have been a statutory requirement for naturalization, and good moral character now also bears on the eligibility for various forms of immigration relief. Prior to 1952, the effect of criminal conduct upon findings of good moral character was determined solely by case law and administrative practice. Following the enactment of the INA, certain criminal activities were statutorily designated as barring a finding of good moral character.

The list of activities in the INA that prohibiting a finding of good moral character is not exclusive, and engaging in illegal or amoral activity that is not specifically designated by the INA may therefore still be considered when determining character. While most activities listed in the INA as barring a finding of good moral character directly relates to illegal behavior, some simply describe amoral behavior. INA101(f), states that an alien is barred from being found to have good moral character if, during the period for which character is required to be established, the alien:

1.         commits certain acts related to prostitution or another commercialized vice;

2.         knowingly encourages, induces, assists, abets, or aids any other alien to enter or to try to enter the United States in violation of law, except in limited circumstances;

3.        


Source:Visapro