Last updated February 2026
If you are not a U.S. citizen, a domestic violence arrest in Florida can put far more than your freedom at risk.
Even a misdemeanor domestic violence charge — or an injunction — can trigger:
Immigration holds
Deportation proceedings
Loss of lawful status
Permanent bars to reentry or citizenship
Many people don’t realize the immigration damage begins before a case is resolved.
⚖️ Why Domestic Violence Is Treated Differently Under Immigration Law
Immigration law treats domestic violence offenses as especially serious.
Depending on the facts, a DV case may be classified as:
A crime involving moral turpitude (CIMT)
A crime of domestic violence under federal law
An aggravated felony (in some circumstances)
These classifications control whether:
ICE becomes involved
Removal proceedings begin
Relief options are available — or permanently barred
For an overview of how DV cases proceed in Florida, see
👉 Florida Domestic Violence Defense
🚫 Visa and Green Card Consequences
Domestic violence charges can affect:
Visa renewals
Adjustment of status
Pending green card applications
Conditional residency removal
Even without a conviction, immigration officials may deny applications based on arrests, injunctions, or admissions made during criminal proceedings.
A conviction dramatically increases the risk of revocation or denial.
🚨 Deportation and Removal Proceedings
A domestic violence conviction can trigger removal (deportation) proceedings for:
Lawful permanent residents
Visa holders
Undocumented individuals
In many cases:
ICE may issue a detainer
Bond may be denied
Mandatory removal applies
Relief options are limited or unavailable
This is especially true when the offense involves:
Injury
Violation of an injunction
Allegations involving children
🚫 Inadmissibility and Reentry Bars
Domestic violence charges can make a non-citizen inadmissible, meaning:
You may be barred from reentering the U.S.
Visa renewal may be denied
Travel abroad becomes dangerous
Waivers may be unavailable
Inadmissibility can apply even years after the case ends.
⛓️ Aggravated Felony Risk
Certain domestic violence-related convictions may be treated as aggravated felonies under immigration law.
If classified this way:
Deportation becomes mandatory
Immigration judges lose discretion
Relief such as asylum or cancellation is barred
Removal can be permanent
This is one of the most severe consequences under federal immigration law.
🛂 Impact on Naturalization and Citizenship
To become a U.S. citizen, applicants must demonstrate good moral character.
A domestic violence conviction — and sometimes even a pattern of arrests — can:
Delay eligibility
Result in denial
Trigger review of past conduct
Lead to removal proceedings during the application process
Applying for citizenship with unresolved DV issues can backfire badly without legal guidance.
⏳ Why Early Defense Strategy Is Critical
Statements made during:
Police interviews
Bond hearings
Injunction proceedings
Plea negotiations
can be used later in immigration court — even if your criminal case is dismissed.
An experienced defense attorney can:
Avoid immigration-triggering plea language
Challenge injunctions and enhancements
Coordinate criminal defense with immigration risk
Protect lawful status while the case is pending
Waiting until ICE is involved is often too late.
🛡️ Fort Lauderdale Domestic Violence & Immigration Defense
At Michael White, P.A., we regularly defend non-citizens accused of domestic violence where immigration status is at stake.
As a former prosecutor, Attorney White understands:
Which DV charges trigger removal
How prosecutors structure pleas
Where immigration consequences hide
How to prevent one case from destroying a future
📞 Schedule a free consultation immediately if immigration consequences are a concern.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can a domestic violence arrest affect my immigration status?
Yes. Even an arrest or injunction can raise red flags with immigration authorities, especially during applications or renewals.
Can a misdemeanor DV conviction lead to deportation?
Yes. Certain misdemeanor domestic violence convictions can trigger removal proceedings.
What if the domestic violence case is dismissed?
Dismissal helps, but immigration consequences may still exist depending on prior admissions, injunctions, or arrest history.
Can domestic violence affect green card renewal?
Yes. DV issues can lead to denial or revocation of lawful permanent resident status.
Should I tell my criminal lawyer about my immigration status?
Absolutely. Failing to disclose immigration status can result in irreversible consequences.