Unfortunately, a criminal arrest can affect your immigration status. It can impact your ability to obtain a Green Card or citizenship down the line. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services looks to see that a person is of “good moral character” and a arrest and conviction can negatively affect this. Moreover, deportation is a threat for foreign nationals who are accused, specifically if you are convicted of a crime within the first five years of your entry into the country or if you are sentenced to more than one year in prison. If you are not a US citizen and are facing criminal charges, it is important to proceed carefully to ensure that you are not subject to deportation.