Facing criminal charges as a non-US Citizen can have grave consequences for your US Legal status. In recent news, a Brazilian National faces serious charges that could result in deportation if he is convicted and sentenced.
Federal authorities arrested Brazilian national Liene Tavares DeBarros, Jr., 39, for allegedly selling fraudulent Social Security cards and Legal Permanent Resident cards, commonly known as Green Cards. He is now facing a federal charge of unlawful transfer of a document or authentication feature.
The charge of unlawful transfer of document or authentication feature and unlawful production of document or authentication feature can result in a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.
According to federal charging documents, Tavares DeBarros sold a fraudulent Social Security card and Green Card to an undercover officer in October 2024 for $250. He allegedly conducted a second transaction in December 2024, selling two more Social Security cards and Green Cards for $500.
The consequences for the charges against DeBarros extend far beyond prison time and financial penalties. As a non-citizen, Tavares DeBarros will be subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Any criminal conviction, particularly one involving fraud or document falsification, can have devastating effects on immigration status, including removal from the U.S. and a permanent bar from reentry.
The Growing Fear of Deportation
In today’s climate, federal authorities are aggressively enforcing immigration laws, with heightened scrutiny on individuals with uncertain legal status. Any criminal charge—even one that may seem minor—can serve as a trigger for deportation proceedings. This is especially true for any crime that is considered a crime of “moral turpitude.” These are crimes that are seen as more serious, for example violent crimes or crimes involving deception, including many white-collar crimes such as fraud, identity theft or document forgery.
Take Action Now To Protect Your Future and Immigration Status
If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges that could impact immigration status, it is absolutely critical to have a hard-hitting white-collar criminal defense attorney who understands the intersection of criminal and immigration law. A skilled attorney can challenge the charges, negotiate for reduced penalties, and work to minimize the risk of deportation.
At Dhar Law, LLP, we are committed to protecting the rights of individuals from all backgrounds. We provide comprehensive legal defense with a deep understanding of both criminal law and immigration consequences. Additionally, our firm offers translation services in all major languages, ensuring that no one faces the legal system alone due to language barriers.
Criminal charges can have life-altering consequences, especially for non-citizens. A criminal conviction can lead to removal proceedings, family separation, and a loss of the life you and your family built in the US.
If you or someone you know is facing charges that could jeopardize their legal status in the U.S., contact our experienced white collar criminal defense attorneys today at 617-880-6155 and learn how our award-winning legal team can work with you to build a robust case to fight for your rights and your future.
