A crime of moral turpitude is a criminal offense that involves dishonesty, fraud, or conduct that violates accepted moral standards. A conviction for this type of crime can have serious consequences for your immigration status. This term often confuses people. It doesn’t refer to a single specific crime. Instead, it’s a broad category that can affect your ability to stay in the United States, obtain a visa, or become a citizen.
If you’re facing a charge that could be classified this way in 2026, our DuPage County, IL immigration lawyer can help you understand what’s at stake and how to protect your future.
What Makes a Crime One of Moral Turpitude?
There’s no single statute that lists every crime considered morally turpitudinous. This makes this area of law particularly confusing for many people. Under 8 U.S.C. Section 1182, a conviction for, or certain admissions involving, a crime of moral turpitude can make a person inadmissible to the United States.