DUI immigration consequences in Michigan are often misunderstood. For someone who is not a United States citizen, a drunk driving arrest can raise questions extending far beyond the criminal courtroom. Will I be deported? Could I lose my green card? Will this prevent me from becoming a citizen? What happens if I travel outside the United States?These are important questions, but they do not all have the same answer. Under current federal immigration law, a single alcohol-only DUI conviction ordinarily does not, by itself, make someone deportable. Nevertheless, even an arrest that does not result in a conviction can sometimes create significant immigration problems.In Michigan, the offense commonly called DUI is generally referred to as Operating While Intoxicated, or OWI. Michigan law determines the criminal offense, while federal immigration law determines what immigration consequences may follow. Understanding the relationship between these two areas of law is essential before deciding how to resolve a criminal charge.
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