Minor Convictions with Major Consequences: The Immigration Consequences of Misdemeanor Assault and Battery Convictions
Open AccessUnder U.S. immigration law, non-citizens with criminal convictions may be subject to removal from the country. One basis for removal is a conviction for an aggravated felony. The term "aggravated felony" conjures up images of particularly heinous crimes, and historically this term was applied only to serious felonies, but under current interpretations of the law, the term has been read expansively to include crimes that are neither felonies nor aggravated. In fact, even misdemeanor convictions for which the person has served no jail time may serve as a basis for one's removal from the United States. On the particular issue of a conviction in Virginia of misdemeanor assault and battery, federal courts and the Board of Immigration Appeals ("BIA" or "Board") have not come to a final conclusion on whether it is an aggravated felony. Although it has not published decisions to serve as precedent on the issue, the Board has issued a handful of unpublished decisions ruling in both directions. Some of the opinions indicate that Virginia Code § 18.2-57.2 is a crime of violence, and therefore an aggravated felony. Others say it is not a crime of violence; leaving non-citizens in the dark on a legal issue of fundamental importance in their lives. Part II of this thesis examines the legislative history of the aggravated felony provision, through its various amendments, illustrating the drastic expansion of the provision despite limited debate or discussion of its implications. Part III discusses the state of the aggravated felony provision today. Part IV presents the practical results of the overly broad provision being enforced through the courts, with a particular focus on the example of Virginia misdemeanor convictions for assault and battery. Part V considers the approach courts have taken regarding misdemeanor assault and battery convictions as crimes of violence and contends that they should not be construed as such. This paper concludes that the BIA should publish a decision to serve as precedent on the issue and proposes how Congress can take appropriate action.
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