212(c) Relief after Criminal Convictions – Who Still Qualifies & How It Works
Former INA §212(c) Relief — a lifeline for LPRs with older criminal convictions Former section 212(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act provided discretionary relief that—when available—could prevent the deportation of lawful permanent residents with certain criminal convictions. Although Congress repealed 212(c) effective April 1, 1997, the U.S. Supreme Court held in INS v. St. …