Drugs and alcohol use is not a new thing, society has dealt with this for many years. These substances can have a harmful effect on the mind and body, especially when used in excess. Some drugs are less harmful than others when used in moderation, and others are even legal like alcohol but the uses of these substances can have long-lasting effects not only on your mind and body, but also to your lifestyle, freedom, and peace of mind.
For immigrants, the use of drugs& alcohol has more serious consequences than they do for citizens as the immigration consequences for using or abusing these substances are extremely serious.
If you are a Legal Permanent Resident and you get 3 DUI’s you can be deportable, if you get convicted of using a controlled substance you can be deportable, yes even for “weed” and yes even for “small amounts” that are for “personal use”. Even when they do not make you “deportable” drugs can make you inadmissible and cause you to be denied entry to the United States when returning from a trip abroad. This is true for federally illegal drugs even if they are legal at the state level the way “Marijuana” is in many states.
If you are in a temporary status like DACA the stakes are even higher. You do not even need to be convicted to face serious repercussions and lose your ability to stay and work in the US. The use of drugs like marijuana can have your DACA renewal be denied. A DUI conviction or even getting ARD for a DUI can cause you to lose your DACA status and never be able to regain it. If you are in the U.S. with DACA you should never use alcohol or drugs and drive as the consequences for you are much higher than for the public.
If you are undocumented a drug conviction or DUI can put you on the radar and get you deported, it can prevent you from fixing your status or getting a visa. Although sometimes it may seem like drugs are all around, the consequences can be extreme for you and your family.
Although all people should refrain from abusing drugs, immigrants should also refrain from using, possessing, or storing drugs as a conviction could mean the end for your race towards the American dream.
Abraham Cepeda, Attorney at Law