As a green card holder, you have the constitutional right to work and reside in the United States. You can also enjoy many American privileges, including the right to have a driver’s license. However, if you’ve been involved in a car accident as a result of illegal behavior, you could be putting your lawful permanent residency at risk. Here’s what every green cardholder needs to know.
Consult an Immigrant Injury Attorney
An immigrant injury attorney understands how the law works when a green card holder is faced with criminal allegations involving a car accident. You’ll need to know your rights — any illegal activities, whether intentional or due to bad judgment, can leave you subjected to immigration issues.
If you’ve done the illegal acts listed below related to a car accident, it’s critical that you speak to an immigrant injury attorney immediately:
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Leaving the scene of an accident
- Driving without a valid driver’s license
- Reckless driving
- Talking or texting while driving
What Happens to Green Card Holders in a DUI Case?
If DUI cases weren’t already stressful enough, green card holders have more at stake than the average American. Many immigrants are not aware of their rights and the immigration consequences for pleading guilty, including deportation. Consulting an immigrant injury attorney in a DUI case is your best chance at avoiding deportation.
Common Reasons Why Green Cards Are Revoked
Besides driving under the influence, here are some other common reasons why a green card may be revoked.
- Immigration fraud - For example, marrying a U.S. citizen for the sole purpose of getting a green card, as well as lying or leaving out pertinent information on an application.
- Abandonment - Remaining out of the U.S. for more than 180 days.
- Criminal Activity - For example, crimes of moral turpitude, aggravated felonies, and drug crimes.
Can You Get Deported for a Car Accident?
Whether you hold a green card or are an undocumented immigrant, you have the same right as every American citizen to file a personal injury lawsuit without fear of deportation. If you’ve been involved in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence, here’s what you need to do:
Seek Medical Care Immediately
Seeking medical care for your injury is very important and is a vital component of your personal injury case. Whether undocumented or not, you have the right to receive medical attention for your injuries sustained in an accident without fearing deportation.
Medical Documentation
Medical documents are proof that you’ve sustained an injury and it’s important to have all necessary medical reports available to support your claim.
Contact an Immigrant Injury Attorney Immediately
Personal injury lawsuits are extremely complicated and without an attorney’s help, you could lose the benefits and compensation you deserve.