Aggravated Felony One-Year Sentence Requirement
How the INA measures a one-year term of imprisonment for aggravated-felony categories, including suspended sentences and post-conviction sentence modifications.
Several aggravated-felony categories require a term of imprisonment of at least one year. INA §101(a)(48)(B) generally counts the period ordered by the court regardless of suspension, while Matter of Thomas and Thompson limits immigration effect of later sentence modifications that are unrelated to a procedural or substantive defect.
Aggravated Felony One-Year Sentence Requirement
How the INA measures a one-year term of imprisonment for aggravated-felony categories, including suspended sentences and post-conviction sentence modifications.
Several aggravated-felony categories require a term of imprisonment of at least one year. INA §101(a)(48)(B) generally counts the period ordered by the court regardless of suspension, while Matter of Thomas and Thompson limits immigration effect of later sentence modifications that are unrelated to a procedural or substantive defect.
For aggravated felony one-year sentence, the practitioner should map the aggravated felony one-year sentence charge before making concessions. The aggravated felony one-year sentence map should identify the conviction, the aggravated felony one-year sentence statutory comparator, the governing aggravated felony one-year sentence method, and the evidence that current aggravated felony one-year sentence law permits.
INA §101(a)(48)(B) defines a term of imprisonment or sentence by the period
INA §101(a)(48)(B) defines a term of imprisonment or sentence by the period of incarceration or confinement ordered by the court regardless of any suspension.
Within aggravated felony one-year sentence, this proposition frames the aggravated felony one-year sentence dispute. The clause “INA §101(a)(48)(B) defines a term of imprisonment or sentence by the period” must be linked to aggravated felony one-year sentence authority before “of incarceration or confinement ordered by the court regardless of any suspension.” is treated as established. Matter of Thomas and Thompson, 27 I&N Dec. 674 (A.G. 2019) supplies a published aggravated felony one-year sentence reference for the legal method or qualifier involved.
A aggravated felony one-year sentence record on rule 1 should identify the aggravated felony one-year sentence document proving the conviction, the aggravated felony one-year sentence source proving the legal rule, and the aggravated felony one-year sentence fact that remains disputed. That rule-specific aggravated felony one-year sentence structure keeps allegations from replacing the legally operative aggravated felony one-year sentence requirement.
One year means a sentence of at least 365 days under the federal immigration definition
One year means a sentence of at least 365 days under the federal immigration definition; the exact judgment and sentence must be obtained.
Within aggravated felony one-year sentence, this proposition limits the aggravated felony one-year sentence dispute. The clause “One year means a sentence of at least 365 days under the federal immigration definition” must be linked to aggravated felony one-year sentence authority before “the exact judgment and sentence must be obtained.” is treated as established. Matter of H. Estrada, 26 I&N Dec. 749 (BIA 2016) supplies a published aggravated felony one-year sentence reference for the legal method or qualifier involved.
A aggravated felony one-year sentence record on rule 2 should identify the aggravated felony one-year sentence document proving the conviction, the aggravated felony one-year sentence source proving the legal rule, and the aggravated felony one-year sentence fact that remains disputed. That rule-specific aggravated felony one-year sentence structure keeps allegations from replacing the legally operative aggravated felony one-year sentence requirement.
Probation does not necessarily mean there was no term of imprisonment
Probation does not necessarily mean there was no term of imprisonment because a custodial term may have been imposed and then suspended.
Within aggravated felony one-year sentence, this proposition defines the aggravated felony one-year sentence dispute. The clause “Probation does not necessarily mean there was no term of imprisonment” must be linked to aggravated felony one-year sentence authority before “because a custodial term may have been imposed and then suspended.” is treated as established. Matter of Calvillo-Garcia, 26 I&N Dec. 697 (BIA 2015) supplies a published aggravated felony one-year sentence reference for the legal method or qualifier involved.
A aggravated felony one-year sentence record on rule 3 should identify the aggravated felony one-year sentence document proving the conviction, the aggravated felony one-year sentence source proving the legal rule, and the aggravated felony one-year sentence fact that remains disputed. That rule-specific aggravated felony one-year sentence structure keeps allegations from replacing the legally operative aggravated felony one-year sentence requirement.
Aggravated-felony theft
Aggravated-felony theft, burglary, receipt of stolen property, crime of violence, obstruction of justice, perjury, and several other categories contain a one-year sentence condition.
Within aggravated felony one-year sentence, this proposition narrows the aggravated felony one-year sentence dispute. The clause “Aggravated-felony theft” must be linked to aggravated felony one-year sentence authority before “burglary” is treated as established. Matter of Thomas and Thompson, 27 I&N Dec. 674 (A.G. 2019) supplies a published aggravated felony one-year sentence reference for the legal method or qualifier involved.
A aggravated felony one-year sentence record on rule 4 should identify the aggravated felony one-year sentence document proving the conviction, the aggravated felony one-year sentence source proving the legal rule, and the aggravated felony one-year sentence fact that remains disputed. That rule-specific aggravated felony one-year sentence structure keeps allegations from replacing the legally operative aggravated felony one-year sentence requirement.
Other aggravated-felony categories such as sexual abuse of a minor or certain drug trafficki
Other aggravated-felony categories such as sexual abuse of a minor or certain drug trafficking offenses do not depend on a one-year sentence, so the threshold cannot be generalized to all aggravated felonies.
Within aggravated felony one-year sentence, this proposition controls the aggravated felony one-year sentence dispute. The clause “Other aggravated-felony categories such as sexual abuse of a minor or certain drug trafficking offenses do not depend on a one-year sentence” must be linked to aggravated felony one-year sentence authority before “so the threshold cannot be generalized to all aggravated felonies.” is treated as established. Matter of H. Estrada, 26 I&N Dec. 749 (BIA 2016) supplies a published aggravated felony one-year sentence reference for the legal method or qualifier involved.
A aggravated felony one-year sentence record on rule 5 should identify the aggravated felony one-year sentence document proving the conviction, the aggravated felony one-year sentence source proving the legal rule, and the aggravated felony one-year sentence fact that remains disputed. That rule-specific aggravated felony one-year sentence structure keeps allegations from replacing the legally operative aggravated felony one-year sentence requirement.
Matter of Thomas and Thompson overruled earlier BIA rules that automatically gave effect
Matter of Thomas and Thompson overruled earlier BIA rules that automatically gave effect to sentence modifications entered for reasons unrelated to defects in the original proceeding.
Within aggravated felony one-year sentence, this proposition structures the aggravated felony one-year sentence dispute. The clause “Matter of Thomas and Thompson overruled earlier BIA rules that automatically gave effect” must be linked to aggravated felony one-year sentence authority before “to sentence modifications entered for reasons unrelated to defects in the original proceeding.” is treated as established. Matter of Calvillo-Garcia, 26 I&N Dec. 697 (BIA 2015) supplies a published aggravated felony one-year sentence reference for the legal method or qualifier involved.
A aggravated felony one-year sentence record on rule 6 should identify the aggravated felony one-year sentence document proving the conviction, the aggravated felony one-year sentence source proving the legal rule, and the aggravated felony one-year sentence fact that remains disputed. That rule-specific aggravated felony one-year sentence structure keeps allegations from replacing the legally operative aggravated felony one-year sentence requirement.
A later sentence order is given immigration effect under that precedent when it is based on
A later sentence order is given immigration effect under that precedent when it is based on a procedural or substantive defect; rehabilitation or avoiding immigration consequences alone is insufficient.
Within aggravated felony one-year sentence, this proposition changes the aggravated felony one-year sentence dispute. The clause “A later sentence order is given immigration effect under that precedent when it is based on a procedural or substantive defect” must be linked to aggravated felony one-year sentence authority before “rehabilitation or avoiding immigration consequences alone is insufficient.” is treated as established. Matter of Thomas and Thompson, 27 I&N Dec. 674 (A.G. 2019) supplies a published aggravated felony one-year sentence reference for the legal method or qualifier involved.
A aggravated felony one-year sentence record on rule 7 should identify the aggravated felony one-year sentence document proving the conviction, the aggravated felony one-year sentence source proving the legal rule, and the aggravated felony one-year sentence fact that remains disputed. That rule-specific aggravated felony one-year sentence structure keeps allegations from replacing the legally operative aggravated felony one-year sentence requirement.
Clarification orders require careful analysis of whether they truly
Clarification orders require careful analysis of whether they truly correct the original record or constitute a later substantive modification.
Within aggravated felony one-year sentence, this proposition directs the aggravated felony one-year sentence dispute. The clause “Clarification orders require careful analysis of whether they truly” must be linked to aggravated felony one-year sentence authority before “correct the original record or constitute a later substantive modification.” is treated as established. Matter of H. Estrada, 26 I&N Dec. 749 (BIA 2016) supplies a published aggravated felony one-year sentence reference for the legal method or qualifier involved.
A aggravated felony one-year sentence record on rule 8 should identify the aggravated felony one-year sentence document proving the conviction, the aggravated felony one-year sentence source proving the legal rule, and the aggravated felony one-year sentence fact that remains disputed. That rule-specific aggravated felony one-year sentence structure keeps allegations from replacing the legally operative aggravated felony one-year sentence requirement.
Confinement in certain treatment facilities or alternative settings can count as a
Confinement in certain treatment facilities or alternative settings can count as a term of confinement depending on the nature of the court order and precedent.
Within aggravated felony one-year sentence, this proposition governs the aggravated felony one-year sentence dispute. The clause “Confinement in certain treatment facilities or alternative settings can count as a” must be linked to aggravated felony one-year sentence authority before “term of confinement depending on the nature of the court order and precedent.” is treated as established. Matter of Calvillo-Garcia, 26 I&N Dec. 697 (BIA 2015) supplies a published aggravated felony one-year sentence reference for the legal method or qualifier involved.
A aggravated felony one-year sentence record on rule 9 should identify the aggravated felony one-year sentence document proving the conviction, the aggravated felony one-year sentence source proving the legal rule, and the aggravated felony one-year sentence fact that remains disputed. That rule-specific aggravated felony one-year sentence structure keeps allegations from replacing the legally operative aggravated felony one-year sentence requirement.
Counsel should obtain the original judgment
Counsel should obtain the original judgment, sentencing transcript, docket, probation order, modification motion, modification order, and stated legal basis for any post-conviction change.
Within aggravated felony one-year sentence, this proposition resolves the aggravated felony one-year sentence dispute. The clause “Counsel should obtain the original judgment” must be linked to aggravated felony one-year sentence authority before “sentencing transcript” is treated as established. Matter of Thomas and Thompson, 27 I&N Dec. 674 (A.G. 2019) supplies a published aggravated felony one-year sentence reference for the legal method or qualifier involved.
A aggravated felony one-year sentence record on rule 10 should identify the aggravated felony one-year sentence document proving the conviction, the aggravated felony one-year sentence source proving the legal rule, and the aggravated felony one-year sentence fact that remains disputed. That rule-specific aggravated felony one-year sentence structure keeps allegations from replacing the legally operative aggravated felony one-year sentence requirement.
Matter of Thomas and Thompson, 27 I&N Dec. 674 (A.G. 2019)
Matter of Thomas and Thompson, 27 I&N Dec. 674 (A.G. 2019) matters to aggravated felony one-year sentence because its holding addresses a aggravated felony one-year sentence component reflected in this rule: INA §101(a)(48)(B) defines a term of imprisonment or sentence by the period of incarceration or confinement ordered by the court regardless of any suspension.
Applying Matter of Thomas and Thompson, 27 I&N Dec. 674 (A.G. 2019) to aggravated felony one-year sentence also requires attention to this separate aggravated felony one-year sentence proposition: One year means a sentence of at least 365 days under the federal immigration definition; the exact judgment and sentence must be obtained. The aggravated felony one-year sentence brief should use the case for those propositions and avoid extending the aggravated felony one-year sentence holding beyond its procedural posture.
Matter of H. Estrada, 26 I&N Dec. 749 (BIA 2016)
Matter of H. Estrada, 26 I&N Dec. 749 (BIA 2016) matters to aggravated felony one-year sentence because its holding addresses a aggravated felony one-year sentence component reflected in this rule: Probation does not necessarily mean there was no term of imprisonment because a custodial term may have been imposed and then suspended.
Applying Matter of H. Estrada, 26 I&N Dec. 749 (BIA 2016) to aggravated felony one-year sentence also requires attention to this separate aggravated felony one-year sentence proposition: Aggravated-felony theft, burglary, receipt of stolen property, crime of violence, obstruction of justice, perjury, and several other categories contain a one-year sentence condition. The aggravated felony one-year sentence brief should use the case for those propositions and avoid extending the aggravated felony one-year sentence holding beyond its procedural posture.
Matter of Calvillo-Garcia, 26 I&N Dec. 697 (BIA 2015)
Matter of Calvillo-Garcia, 26 I&N Dec. 697 (BIA 2015) matters to aggravated felony one-year sentence because its holding addresses a aggravated felony one-year sentence component reflected in this rule: Other aggravated-felony categories such as sexual abuse of a minor or certain drug trafficking offenses do not depend on a one-year sentence, so the threshold cannot be generalized to all aggravated felonies.
Applying Matter of Calvillo-Garcia, 26 I&N Dec. 697 (BIA 2015) to aggravated felony one-year sentence also requires attention to this separate aggravated felony one-year sentence proposition: Matter of Thomas and Thompson overruled earlier BIA rules that automatically gave effect to sentence modifications entered for reasons unrelated to defects in the original proceeding. The aggravated felony one-year sentence brief should use the case for those propositions and avoid extending the aggravated felony one-year sentence holding beyond its procedural posture.
Building the Conviction Record
A aggravated felony one-year sentence file should integrate three distinct aggravated felony one-year sentence propositions. First: INA §101(a)(48)(B) defines a term of imprisonment or sentence by the period of incarceration or confinement ordered by the court regardless of any suspension. Second: Aggravated-felony theft, burglary, receipt of stolen property, crime of violence, obstruction of justice, perjury, and several other categories contain a one-year sentence condition. Third: A later sentence order is given immigration effect under that precedent when it is based on a procedural or substantive defect; rehabilitation or avoiding immigration consequences alone is insufficient.
Those aggravated felony one-year sentence propositions determine the aggravated felony one-year sentence documents worth collecting. Certified records should prove aggravated felony one-year sentence elements and sentence; historical materials should prove aggravated felony one-year sentence timing when timing matters; broader proof should be reserved for a circumstance-specific aggravated felony one-year sentence qualifier. The final aggravated felony one-year sentence brief should assign each aggravated felony one-year sentence burden and request a precise aggravated felony one-year sentence ruling.
Testing the DHS Charge
A aggravated felony one-year sentence file should integrate three distinct aggravated felony one-year sentence propositions. First: One year means a sentence of at least 365 days under the federal immigration definition; the exact judgment and sentence must be obtained. Second: Other aggravated-felony categories such as sexual abuse of a minor or certain drug trafficking offenses do not depend on a one-year sentence, so the threshold cannot be generalized to all aggravated felonies. Third: Clarification orders require careful analysis of whether they truly correct the original record or constitute a later substantive modification.
Those aggravated felony one-year sentence propositions determine the aggravated felony one-year sentence documents worth collecting. Certified records should prove aggravated felony one-year sentence elements and sentence; historical materials should prove aggravated felony one-year sentence timing when timing matters; broader proof should be reserved for a circumstance-specific aggravated felony one-year sentence qualifier. The final aggravated felony one-year sentence brief should assign each aggravated felony one-year sentence burden and request a precise aggravated felony one-year sentence ruling.
Burden and Evidentiary Method
A aggravated felony one-year sentence file should integrate three distinct aggravated felony one-year sentence propositions. First: Probation does not necessarily mean there was no term of imprisonment because a custodial term may have been imposed and then suspended. Second: Matter of Thomas and Thompson overruled earlier BIA rules that automatically gave effect to sentence modifications entered for reasons unrelated to defects in the original proceeding. Third: Confinement in certain treatment facilities or alternative settings can count as a term of confinement depending on the nature of the court order and precedent.
Those aggravated felony one-year sentence propositions determine the aggravated felony one-year sentence documents worth collecting. Certified records should prove aggravated felony one-year sentence elements and sentence; historical materials should prove aggravated felony one-year sentence timing when timing matters; broader proof should be reserved for a circumstance-specific aggravated felony one-year sentence qualifier. The final aggravated felony one-year sentence brief should assign each aggravated felony one-year sentence burden and request a precise aggravated felony one-year sentence ruling.
Relief and Collateral Consequences
A aggravated felony one-year sentence file should integrate three distinct aggravated felony one-year sentence propositions. First: Aggravated-felony theft, burglary, receipt of stolen property, crime of violence, obstruction of justice, perjury, and several other categories contain a one-year sentence condition. Second: A later sentence order is given immigration effect under that precedent when it is based on a procedural or substantive defect; rehabilitation or avoiding immigration consequences alone is insufficient. Third: Counsel should obtain the original judgment, sentencing transcript, docket, probation order, modification motion, modification order, and stated legal basis for any post-conviction change.
Those aggravated felony one-year sentence propositions determine the aggravated felony one-year sentence documents worth collecting. Certified records should prove aggravated felony one-year sentence elements and sentence; historical materials should prove aggravated felony one-year sentence timing when timing matters; broader proof should be reserved for a circumstance-specific aggravated felony one-year sentence qualifier. The final aggravated felony one-year sentence brief should assign each aggravated felony one-year sentence burden and request a precise aggravated felony one-year sentence ruling.
Practitioner Review Before Filing
A aggravated felony one-year sentence file should integrate three distinct aggravated felony one-year sentence propositions. First: INA §101(a)(48)(B) defines a term of imprisonment or sentence by the period of incarceration or confinement ordered by the court regardless of any suspension. Second: Matter of Thomas and Thompson overruled earlier BIA rules that automatically gave effect to sentence modifications entered for reasons unrelated to defects in the original proceeding. Third: Counsel should obtain the original judgment, sentencing transcript, docket, probation order, modification motion, modification order, and stated legal basis for any post-conviction change.
Those aggravated felony one-year sentence propositions determine the aggravated felony one-year sentence documents worth collecting. Certified records should prove aggravated felony one-year sentence elements and sentence; historical materials should prove aggravated felony one-year sentence timing when timing matters; broader proof should be reserved for a circumstance-specific aggravated felony one-year sentence qualifier. The final aggravated felony one-year sentence brief should assign each aggravated felony one-year sentence burden and request a precise aggravated felony one-year sentence ruling.
Primary Legal Authorities and Sources
- INA §101(a)(43), 8 U.S.C. §1101(a)(43) Statutory definitions relevant to criminal immigration consequences.
- INA §237, 8 U.S.C. §1227 Current deportability statute.
- 8 C.F.R. §1240.8 Current burdens of proof regulation in removal proceedings.
- Matter of Thomas and Thompson, 27 I&N Dec. 674 (A.G. 2019) Current rule for immigration effect of sentence modifications.
- EOIR BIA Precedent Chart — Sentencing Official EOIR source for sentence-related aggravated-felony precedent.
- EOIR Volume 26 — Calvillo-Garcia and H. Estrada Official decisions on confinement and sentencing records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does ina §101(a)(48)(b) defines a term of imprisonment or sentence by the period matter to aggravated felony one-year sentence?
How does one year means a sentence of at least 365 days under the federal immigration definition change a aggravated felony one-year sentence charge?
What proof is important for probation does not necessarily mean there was no term of imprisonment in a aggravated felony one-year sentence case?
Can DHS use underlying facts to avoid the aggravated felony one-year sentence rule on aggravated-felony theft?
What criminal records matter when aggravated felony one-year sentence turns on other aggravated-felony categories such as sexual abuse of a minor or certain drug trafficking offenses do not depend on a one-year sentence?
How should counsel brief matter of thomas and thompson overruled earlier bia rules that automatically gave effect in a aggravated felony one-year sentence proceeding?
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