F1 Visa Impact Concerns

Summary

An F1 student arrested for marijuana possession, despite its legality in Illinois, faces potential OPT and visa status issues due to federal law. A pretrial diversion may prevent a conviction, but the arrest record persists, affecting immigration scrutiny. Consulting an immigration attorney is advisable to understand the specific impact and explore options like expungement or sealing of the arrest record.

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class b misdemeanor possession of marijuana but i took a pretrail diversion.
Being an F1 student with a Class B misdemeanor for possession of marijuana can have implications on your OPT and visa status, even if you took a pretrial diversion. Key points to consider:
- A pretrial diversion program may avoid a conviction, but the arrest record still exists.
- An arrest record can impact visa applications and renewals.
- USCIS reviews each case individually, considering the nature of the offense and any rehabilitation efforts.
You might want to consult with an immigration attorney to understand the specific impact on your OPT and visa status.
Would you like more detailed information on how a pretrial diversion affects immigration status?
but i live in chicago where marijuana is legal but i was traveling and got arrested with marijuana
Even though marijuana is legal in Illinois, federal laws and the laws of other states still apply. Your F1 status complicates things further. Here are some key points:
- Federal law still considers marijuana illegal.
- A pretrial diversion might help avoid a conviction, but the arrest record remains.
- USCIS scrutinizes arrests, especially for drug-related offenses.
Would you like more information on how to expunge or seal your arrest record to minimize its impact on your immigration status?