Will I Have Issues Renewing My Green Card
Hi,*
My green card expired already in March 2011, didn't realize it has been expired until now. After reading on Internet about renewing green card I can have issue with USICS, I'm concern that I be denied and can be deported.*
Time line of event:
1982- Born in Laos (in asia, next to Thailand).
1988- Came to United State with my parents.
2000- I apply to renew my green card in summer of 2000. Got new card on march 2001.
2000- I was arrested and charge for Burglary on November of 2000. The case was dismiss on*
Jan*30*of 2001.
2002- I was arrested and charge for possession of marijuana, less than a joint worth. The judge put me in ARD program. I successfully completed it. All I had to do was 10 hours community service, some sort of rehab class for less than a day, and pay $65 fine. I don't even know if it's a conviction or not.*
2010- I got bench warrant for failure to appear for court as a defendant. I never knew I had bench warrant. Just found out few days ago. Someone stole my car back in 2002, guy never showed up for court so I was guessing case was over. I never even press charges only file police report for insurance.
I live in Pennsylvania. Ever since 2001-2002 I have been out of trouble except traffic and parking tickets. Lesson well learnt.*
My concern is renewing my green card, the last time I submit a *renewal, cause expired it was before my arrested and court stuff. Never had problems with background checks. In 2003 I sign up for the Army, they ran my criminal records and passed. I pass NICS for fireman, got license to carry,*and even got*financial aid for college.
For the bench warrant, Can I get a lawyer for that without going to jail or court? I really don't know how to approach this situation,*I know I will have to clear bench warrant first before renewing green card. If I resolve this matter, will it still affect me in renewing green card? My biggest concern is can I get deported if denied? Does only conviction affect green card renewal and citizenship? Will I be able to get citizenship? I though having green card was like having citizenship that's why I never bothered to apply for it. I know nothing about country where I was born, some friends told me that Laos don't accept deportee from United States. I don't know if that's true or not tho. Thank you in advance for any opinion or answer.
Re: Will I Have Issues Renewing My Green Card
From what you say, you appear to have an unresolved criminal charge dating back to 2002. Failure to appear as a defendant means that you were the one charged with a crime - or did you mean "failure to appear as a witness"? If you're facing a charge you will want to team up with a criminal defense lawyer who understands immigration law and take care of that charge.
I suggest discussing your entire criminal history, along with whatever you find out about the 2002 warrant and possible criminal charge from that incident, with an immigration lawyer. There are too many unknowns here, and frankly enough on your record to make it sensible for you to get advice from somebody who is aware of the full facts and history as opposed to people working with limited information in a forum.
Re: Will I Have Issues Renewing My Green Card
Sorry.....I ment to say failure to appear as a witness. I have spoken to a criminal lawyer about bench warrant. He said there wasn't any warrant out for me. Waste of money....well rather safe than sorry.