For individuals in RI on green cards, a conviction on many misdemeanor charges can have a severe and overly punishing – and unexpected – impact. Because these crimes carry a potential prison sentence of up to one year, people may be subject to detention and deportation under a federal law that addresses various crimes that have a sentence of one year or more. This legislation would have decreased the maximum possible misdemeanor by one day to ensure that such harsh consequences don’t flow from a minor offense.
In the Senate, the language of this bill was ultimately incorporated into S 518 A and passed the Senate, but died in the House. This bill otherwise died in committee.
