DiMaria Wins Deportation Case for Permanent Resident with 2 Shoplifting Convictions

C lient was a fifty-year-old citizen of Dominican Republic who had a green card since 1992. Client was single, had several children, and lived with girlfriend who is the mother of 3 of his children. Client was convicted of shoplifting on 2 different occasions in 1992 and 1994. Although client was convicted of 2 shoplifting offenses more than 15 years ago he was arrested in 2010 upon entering the United States after a brief vacation to the Dominican Republic. He was released from immigration custody, and charged with being deportable from the United States for having committed 2 crimes Involving Moral Turpitude. Under immigration law, although the 2 shoplifting offenses happened several years ago, lawful permanent residents can face deportation for 2 or more crimes involving moral turpitude not arising out of a single scheme of criminal conduct. Client hired The Law Office of Jayson DiMaria to represent Client who was facing deportation. DiMaria filed an application for a waiver “pardon” with the immigration court. We provided the court with evidence showing that Client has lived in the United States for a long time as a permanent resident, has several children, and has maintained steady employment. At trial, Client and his permanent resident girlfriend testified as to how they would suffer if Client was deported. After hearing testimony from the Client and his girlfriend, the Immigration Judge granted Client’s application and approved the case. Client is now eligible to apply for citizenship.