Why will Joe Giudice be deported to Italy?

Joe Giudice is forced to return to Italy, but the reality star is still identified as an American.

On Wednesday, a judge ruled that Joe Giudice would be deported to his home country once his 41-month sentence for fraud in the post, telegraph and bankruptcy.

So why is he expelled?

Although Giudice has lived in America since childhood, he has never been granted US citizenship and immigrants can be deported from the United States if they are convicted of a "crime of moral turpitude" or "aggravated crime", according to United States. law.

"I had a year when I got here," he explained. The real housewives of New Jersey: Teresa Check In In. "My parents are citizens. My brother and sister are citizens – they were born here. I just did not think about applying for citizenship.

According to the laws in force on immigration, Giudice must have been more than 21 years old when his parents obtained the nationality. If he had been under 21, he would have automatically obtained citizenship with his parents.

"I consider myself an American," said Joe.

In fact, Giudice admitted that he was not familiar with Italian customs and said it would be a culture shock.

RELATED: Teresa Giudice once said that she "would not mind" in Italy with her deported husband Joe

"I do not really know the laws there. I do not know For me to go, it would be like an immigrant coming here without knowing anything here, "he said. "In addition to eating pasta and preparing the sauce, I do not know anything about Italy."

ASSOCIATED VIDEO: Teresa Giudice on the impact of her husband's prison sentence on her daughters

Giudice said that he still had parents in Italy.

"I would find something to do," he says. "I have a lot of family there."

A judge ruled on the deportation order before an immigration court on Wednesday morning. Teresa was not in court and Joe has 30 days to appeal the decision.

L & # 39; former Real housewives from New Jersey star is currently serving a 41-month prison sentence for mail, wire and bankruptcy fraud that began in March 2016. It is expected to be released in 2019.

During the month of January RHONJ After the meeting, Giudice's wife, Teresa, seemed optimistic when asked if her 46-year-old husband could be sent back to Italy – and that she would have moved there with him.

"I mean, Italy is a beautiful place to live," said Teresa, also 46. "That would not bother me, you know, I'm just saying. Listen, no matter what God has planned for me, that's what's going to happen. I will kiss him as best as I can. "

The couple shares the girls Gia, 17, Gabriella, 14, Milania, 12, and Audriana, 9.