Sometimes, international students fear that if they are convicted or even accused of a violation of any law, they will be deported immediately and automatically. While this is not in fact the case, any legal violation can be grounds for the DHS to deny a benefit such as an extension of stay, school transfer, employment, or re-entry to the United States.

Conviction of a more serious offense can result in deportation. For example, if a student is convicted of petty theft, disturbing the peace, drunkenness, or a similar minor offense, it may not affect immigration status. Students can be deported if convicted of a crime involving "moral turpitude," e.g., possessing drugs or engaging in prostitution, or if convicted of a crime for which they are sentenced to at least one year of prison. Immigration law provides for the possible deportation of any person who is a "narcotic addict" or who is "convicted of a violation of... any law or regulation relating to the illicit possession of or traffic in narcotic drugs or marijuana."

The university is required to report to the DHS any NYU sanction resulting from the conviction of a crime. Such an occurrence would render a student out of status.