What happens if I am arrested for a crime after obtaining the conditional EB-5?

It can jeopardize your status. The conditional EB-5 assumes compliance with United States laws, and an arrest or criminal conviction after obtaining it can have serious implications for your immigration case.

In general, a criminal issue can lead immigration authorities to reassess your eligibility for removal of conditions and, further down the line, for the permanent green card. Certain offenses may be interpreted as a lack of good moral character or conduct, which opens the door to adverse decisions, including removal proceedings (deportation).

The weight of this varies with the nature and severity of the case: more serious offenses, such as violent crimes or trafficking, tend to be evaluated with greater scrutiny. The system closely monitors conduct, and behavior that departs from the required standards can lead to revocation of the conditional visa. Maintaining a clean record is essential.

Faced with any legal issue, seek guidance from an immigration specialist as soon as possible to assess risks and strategies, and check the applicable rules through official sources rather than relying on promises of quick fixes.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.