Opinion ID: 195168
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Deportation

Text: 7 Smith was deported on November 20, 1991. As part of the deportation process, the INS gave Smith a notice, INS FORM I-294, which stated that in the event that he wished to return to the United States, he had to obtain permission and that any deported person who within five years returns without permission is guilty of a felony. If convicted he may be punished by imprisonment of not more than two years and/or a fine of not more than $1000.00. Smith signed the notice, acknowledging his receipt of the document. INS Form I-294 only set forth the penalties generally applicable to a violation of 8 U.S.C. Sec. 1326, but did not state the more severe penalties that applied to aliens, who, like Smith, had been convicted of an aggravated felony. In fact, the penalty Smith would face if he returned to the United States without permission was imprisonment for up to fifteen years.