Justin Bieber has fun in Panama two days after arrest for DUI in Miami South Beach. (X17online.com)
LOS ANGELES – Justin Bieber has been the focus of two investigations in the past two weeks. A search warrant was issued at his home in California in relation to the alleged vandalism of his neighbor’s property, and the singer was arrested on suspicion of DUI and drag racing in Florida.
Miami Police Chief Ray Martinez told reporters the 19-year-old pop prince also possessed an invalid Georgia driver's license and had admitted to smoking marijuana, taking prescription medication and drinking before getting behind the wheel.
Here’s the thing: Bieber is not a U.S. citizen – he’s from Canada. So many are asking of Bieber faces any chance of deportation over his alleged offenses.
Some are even lobbying for it.
A petition requesting that President Obama deport Bieber and revoke his visa has been gaining popularity in the past few days.
"We the people of the United States feel that we are being wrongly represented in the world of pop culture. We would like to see the dangerous, reckless, destructive and drug abusing, Justin Bieber deported and his green card revoked," reads the petition, placed on the White House's "We The People" site. "He is not only threatening the safety of our people but he is also a terrible influence on our nation’s youth. We the people would like to remove Justin Bieber from our society."
The petition, which was launched Thursday following his Miami fallout, has gotten over 42,000 signatures. 100,000 signatures are needed by February 22 to receive an official response from the White House.
Regardless of whether the White House weighs in, Legal expert Leo Terrell says Bieber’s visa status would only come into play if he is convicted of a felony.
"For example, England would not let Mike Tyson come into their county because he is a convicted felon. However, I do not believe Bieber is facing felony charges. I am sure Bieber's attorney will cut a deal," Terrell explained. "Also, it is not to America's interest to deport Bieber since he brings in a lot of money for the country."
But if Bieber wasn’t Bieber, Terrell said he might not be so fortunate.
"If it was a regular Joe, the prosecution would most likely not cut a deal and seek to impose the greatest possible criminal penalty upon the person," continued Terrell. "Also, the government would also likely use the incident against the person, such as revoking his visa."
That’s where a second petition comes in, demanding all immigrants be treated more like Bieber.
Created by Presente.org, a national organization for Latino communities, the petition, posted on MoveOn.org's platform, urges Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security and local police departments treat all immigrants like Bieber, explaining "the treatment of Justin Bieber has proven than an immigrant can make mistakes and not be slapped with outrageously steep fines by the justice system, or be detained and deported by Immigration and Customs Enforcement."
Presente.org says the petition was started in an effort to draw attention to "out-of-control policy of deportations by homeland security and the thousands of immigrants that are deported and harassed by local police departments each day."
It has received 214 signatures to-date.
A rep for Bieber has so far declined to comment.
Danielle Jones-Wesley contributed to this report.
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