Good Moral Character

In our last discussion, we began talking about the impact of certain criminal offenses on immigration status. Specifically, we discussed the term aggravated felony as described in the Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101 (a) 43. The Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101 also describes the good moral character requirement for non-citizens. Section 101 (f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act states that for a non-citizen to be considered of good moral character, he or she, was not, or is not any of the following:

• A habitual drunkard
• One whose income is derived from illegal gambling activities
• One has been convicted of two or more gambling offenses during such period
• One who has given false testimony for benefit under the Immigration and Nationality Act
• One who has been convicted of an aggravated felony
• One who during such period, has been confined, as the result of a conviction to a penal institution, for an aggregate period of one hundred and eighty days or more, regardless of whether the offense was committed during the period
• A prostitute, trafficker of illegal substances, or other moral vices
• One who at any time has engaged in international objectionable acts, such as terrorism

The Courts have held that good moral character is determined in comparison to the average citizen in which the applicant resides. If you have questions or concerns regarding your immigration status, or if you likely meet the requirements for good moral character, call the Law Office of Robert L. Booker, P.C. today.