Wednesday 17 July 1974 | New York City, USA
On 17 July 1974, the US Justice Department announced that the Board of Immigration Appeals had unanimously dismissed John Lennon's appeal against a deportation ruling, ordering him to leave the United States voluntarily within 60 days. The ruling upheld a similar order made on 23 March 1973.
After studying the ruling, Lennon's lawyer Leon Wildes immediately lodged a further appeal on his behalf.
Background: The Fight to Stay in America
John Lennon's battle to remain in the United States had begun in 1972, when the Nixon administration ā alarmed by Lennon's anti-war activism and his association with left-wing figures ā sought to have him deported on the basis of a 1968 cannabis conviction in the United Kingdom. The deportation proceedings were widely seen as politically motivated, and Lennon and his lawyer Leon Wildes fought them at every stage.
Wildes, a leading immigration attorney, mounted an innovative legal defence that included challenging the selective enforcement of immigration law ā arguing that the government was targeting Lennon specifically because of his political views. He also sought to obtain classified FBI and government documents relating to the case, which eventually revealed the extent of the Nixon administration's surveillance of Lennon.
The 17 July 1974 ruling was a setback, but Lennon and Wildes continued to fight. The case ultimately concluded in Lennon's favour: on 8 October 1975 ā the day before his 35th birthday and the day his son Sean was born ā a US Court of Appeals overturned the deportation order. Lennon was finally granted his permanent resident status (his green card) on 27 July 1976.
Key Facts
| Date | Wednesday 17 July 1974 |
| Ruling body | US Board of Immigration Appeals |
| Decision | Unanimous dismissal of Lennon's appeal |
| Order | Leave the USA voluntarily within 60 days |
| Previous ruling | 23 March 1973 |
| Lennon's lawyer | Leon Wildes |
| Response | Wildes lodged a further appeal |
| Final outcome | Deportation order overturned 8 October 1975; green card granted 27 July 1976 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why was John Lennon ordered to leave the United States?
John Lennon was ordered to leave the United States on the basis of a 1968 cannabis conviction in the UK. The deportation proceedings, which began in 1972, were widely regarded as politically motivated by the Nixon administration, which was alarmed by Lennon's anti-war activism.
Who was John Lennon's immigration lawyer?
John Lennon's immigration lawyer was Leon Wildes, a leading US immigration attorney who mounted an innovative legal defence challenging the selective enforcement of immigration law and eventually obtained classified government documents revealing the extent of Nixon administration surveillance of Lennon.
Did John Lennon get deported from the United States?
No. John Lennon was never deported. After years of legal battles, a US Court of Appeals overturned the deportation order on 8 October 1975. Lennon was granted permanent resident status (his green card) on 27 July 1976.
When did John Lennon get his green card?
John Lennon was granted his US permanent resident status (green card) on 27 July 1976, following years of deportation proceedings that began in 1972.
ā 17 July in Beatles History
ā July in Beatles History
ā John Lennon: Beatles History, Solo Career, Songs & Legacy
ā The Beatles Knowledge Hub
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