How Does the Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake Beef Relate to Immigration Law? 👊

After watching the Super Bowl halftime show, and especially after hearing Kendrick Lamar take direct shots at Drake, insinuating that he was… well, breaking laws… I had to ask myself:

👉 Could this affect Drake’s U.S. immigration status?

We know Drake was born in Toronto, Canada—but what’s his actual status in the U.S.? If the allegations against him turn out to be true, could they have immigration consequences? Let’s break it down.

1️⃣ If Drake is a U.S. Citizen

 • If he acquired U.S. citizenship at birth through his American father, then any allegations—even if true—would not affect his status. U.S. citizens cannot be deported.

 • If he naturalized, denaturalization is possible, but only if he committed fraud in obtaining citizenship.

🚨 Bottom line: If he is a citizen by birth, he’s safe. If he naturalized, the only risk would be if his citizenship application involved fraud.

2️⃣ If Drake Has a Green Card (Permanent Resident Status)

 • Green card holders can be placed in removal proceedings for certain crimes, including:

 • Crimes of moral turpitude (CIMT)

 • Aggravated felonies (which can include serious offenses like sex crimes involving minors, drug trafficking, and violent crimes)

 • Controlled substance offenses

 • Conviction matters: Allegations alone won’t trigger deportation, but a conviction for a CIMT within the first five years of getting a green card could make him removable.

 • Aggravated felonies lead to mandatory deportation, with little to no discretion for relief.

 • Green card renewal: While LPR status itself doesn’t “expire,” the physical green card does, and USCIS could deny renewal if they find him removable due to criminal activity.

🚨 Bottom line: If he has a green card, a conviction for certain crimes—especially involving a minor—could make him removable and put his status at risk.

3️⃣ If Drake Is on a Non-Immigrant Visa (e.g., O-1 Visa)

 • Many internationally recognized artists hold O-1 visas, which allow them to live and work in the U.S.

 • Arrests alone can trigger visa revocation—the U.S. Department of State (DOS) has discretion to revoke visas even without a conviction if they believe the individual poses a risk.

 • A conviction for certain crimes (CIMT, aggravated felonies, controlled substances) would likely render him inadmissible, meaning he couldn’t re-enter the U.S. if he left.

 • O-1 visas also consider reputation in the field, so serious allegations could impact future approvals.

🚨 Bottom line: If he is on a visa, his status is the most vulnerable—his visa could be revoked or denied for renewal even if he’s not convicted.

While the Kendrick vs. Drake feud is making headlines for entertainment, it raises a real immigration law question: How do criminal allegations impact an artist’s ability to stay in the U.S.?

💭 What do you think? Let’s discuss.