Wander Franco’s US Return in Jeopardy After Guilty Verdict

The guilty verdict in the Dominican Republic against Wander Franco could reshape his baseball future. The Rays shortstop’s ability to return to the United States now faces considerable legal and logistical hurdles due to the serious nature of the charges.

Immigration Hurdles Mount

The recent conviction regarding sexual abuse of a minor carries substantial weight under U.S. immigration law. Immigration attorney Danielle Hernandez suggests Franco‘s chances of securing a new visa are slim. His current visa status appears untenable given the circumstances.

“I do not think he would be compliant with his visa status,” Hernandez stated. “The U.S. Customs and Border Protection would have to know about it, but a crime against a child like that is considered a CIMT, or crime involving moral turpitude. If he has a green card, it can get taken away. And with a non-immigrant visa, it will be a violation.”

Lisette Sanchez, an immigration attorney in Tampa, mentioned that even a successful appeal might not be enough to allow Franco back into the U.S. The existing conviction complicates his admissibility, absent a formal reversal.

Stricter immigration policies during the second Trump administration have led to increased deportations. The restrictions have also impacted various permits and visas.

Legal and Baseball Uncertainties

An appellate court overturning the conviction could open the door to a new visa application, according to Sanchez. Currently, however, legal entry seems almost impossible.

Franco‘s lawyers have five days post-sentencing, which is set for July 27, to appeal. Irina Ventura, his attorney, expressed disappointment in the courtroom, stating the defense believed a full acquittal was warranted.

Prosecutors sought a five-year prison sentence for Franco and a ten-year sentence for the girl’s mother. The mother was convicted of sexually trafficking her daughter.

Immigration attorney J. Tony Lopez explained that a guilty conviction would nullify any current visa and prevent future permits, including the P-1 athlete visa typically used by international professional athletes.

“If he’s exonerated (during an appeal), there’s a chance; it’s low, but still a chance, that he could be granted a visa,” said Lopez. “But beyond that, he still has a tough situation with Major League Baseball.”

A recent report from the Department of Homeland Security showed a 27% increase in deportations related to criminal convictions in 2023 (DHS 2023 Data).