Q: a) On or about March 14th, 1984, I was deported to Lebanon, a country in the midst of a gruesome civil war.
b) The United States Department of State had advised against travel to Lebanon in 1984 due to security concerns, including crime, terrorism, armed conflict, civil unrest, kidnapping, and limited support from the U.S. Embassy.
c) I did not know anyone in Lebanon and had no means to support myself. I was in danger of being killed, injured, or imprisoned.
d) As a non-citizen, but a lawful alien with 15 years of continuous residency in the United States and ties to a U.S. citizen mother and siblings, I had a rightful status within the country.
e) Despite my lawful residency, I was stripped of all my rights and liberties due to my immigration status and the alleged charge of moral turpitude.
f) I was unfairly denied a passport, which further hindered my ability to seek refuge in other countries and escape the dangerous situation in Lebanon.
g) The deportation without a passport exposed me to persecution, torture, isolation, and fear.
A:
1) Can a person be deported to a country that is in the midst of a civil war?
In extreme cases, deportation to a country in the midst of civil war can occur. However, U.S. immigration law does provide certain protections, such as Temporary Protected Status or asylum, for individuals who may face extreme danger or harm in their home countries due to ongoing conflict or natural disaster.
2) Can a non-citizen, but a lawful alien, be stripped of their rights and liberties due to their immigration status and the alleged charge of moral turpitude?
Yes, certain criminal convictions, such as those involving "moral turpitude", can result in the loss of legal status for non-citizens, including lawful permanent residents, and may lead to deportation proceedings. However, whether a particular crime involves moral turpitude is often complex and depends on a variety of factors.
3) Is it lawful to deport someone without a passport?
Deportation without a passport can occur, as the receiving country's acceptance is the key factor, not the availability of a passport. In many instances, U.S. immigration authorities coordinate with the receiving country to ensure acceptance of the individual.
James L. Arrasmith
Founder and Chief Legal Counsel of The Law Offices of James L. Arrasmith
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