“IMMIGRATION LAW CONNECTION”

Beginning on October 1, 2009, returning Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs) with criminal convictions are now more likely to be issued a Notice to Appear (NTA) at ports of entry, rather than the more usual grant of deferred inspection.

In addition, depending on the nature of the conviction, CBP staffing, and available detention bedspace, among other factors, it also is possible that more returning LPRs with criminal convictions will be detained. CBP confirmed, however, that deferred inspection for such returning LPRs is still an option.

These changes in policy are largely due to an appreciable increase in “No-Shows” of those who were previously granted deferred inspection.