Will Wander Franco’s Conviction Keep Him from Returning to the U.S.? Attorneys Weigh In

What does Wander Franco’s recent guilty verdict for sexual abuse mean for his future in Major League Baseball? This is a crucial question for fans and the sport alike.

Franco, the Tampa Bay Rays shortstop, was convicted of being involved with a 14-year-old girl. He received a two-year suspended sentence, meaning he won’t go to jail unless he breaks certain rules. However, this conviction raises serious concerns about his ability to return to the United States.

Immigration laws are strict, especially for crimes involving minors. Immigration attorney Danielle Hernandez has stated that such a conviction is considered a "crime involving moral turpitude," which can jeopardize a person’s visa status. If Franco holds a green card, it could be revoked. For those on non-immigrant visas, like Franco, this situation poses significant challenges.

Lisette Sanchez, another immigration expert, believes that even if Franco wins an appeal, his current conviction could still keep him out of the U.S. The rules are unforgiving, and strict immigration enforcement has made it harder for those with legal issues to return.

The landscape of immigration has shifted significantly, especially during the Trump administration, with increased deportations and tighter visa regulations. This makes it less likely that someone with a conviction like Franco’s could obtain permission to re-enter the country.

Some statistics support this bleak outlook. According to the American Immigration Council, a record number of deportations occurred in recent years, drastically affecting immigrant rights and legal entry permits. For Franco, returning to the U.S. seems increasingly improbable.

His legal team plans to appeal the verdict, hoping for a different outcome. Franco’s lawyer, Irina Ventura, expressed her discontent, suggesting that crucial defense points were overlooked during the case.

Another immigration attorney, J. Tony Lopez, also noted that a conviction revokes any existing visas. Even a successful appeal doesn’t guarantee Franco’s return. He might still face hurdles within Major League Baseball regarding his eligibility.

As fans await updates, the conversation around immigration and athlete conduct continues to grow. This case highlights the intersection of sports, law, and morality, and its ripple effects could be felt for years to come.

For anyone looking to understand these legal intricacies further, detailed insights can be found in reports from credible sources like the American Immigration Council.

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