Can a lawful permanent resident who has prior criminal conviction(s), travel outside the U.S. and then reenter?
If you are a lawful permanent resident with any prior criminal conviction(s), no matter how old, be advised that when you reenter the U.S., you may be inspected by immigration and customs officials. If you have any prior criminal conviction history, then you could be detained and placed in secondary inspection at the airport or other point of entry. In most cases, the immigration inspectors (Customs Enforcement) will seize your ‘green card’ and passport. These customs enforcement inspectors will then order you to appear for a deferred inspection at the local CIS/BICE office. Once at the deferred inspection, in most cases, you will be issued a Notice to Appear in Immigration Court for commencement of Removal (Deportation) Proceedings. It is strongly recommend that you do not travel outside of the U.S. unless and until you consult before you travel with a knowledgeable immigration and criminal defense attorney who is skilled in the art of obtaining Post Conviction Relief in the criminal
