What constitutes a 'criminal offense' leading to deportability under INA 237(a)(2)(A)(i)?

A 'criminal offense' that leads to deportability under INA 237(a)(2)(A)(i) is defined specifically as a single conviction for a crime involving moral turpitude (CIMT). This provision is particularly focused on offenses that reflect poorly on an individual's moral character. Crimes involving moral turpitude generally include acts that are contrary to community standards of justice, honesty, or good morals, such as theft, fraud, or violence.

In the context of immigration law, a single conviction for CIMT is significant because it could render a non-citizen removable from the United States. The emphasis here is not on the number of offenses but rather on the nature of the crime itself. Other options, such as multiple felonies or juvenile delinquency, do not fall under this specific provision regarding deportability, and traffic violations are usually not considered serious enough to trigger this section of the law.

Therefore, the identification of a single conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude as a basis for deportability aligns directly with the statutory language and intent of INA 237(a)(2)(A)(i).