Joe Giudice Reflects on Deportation and His Time in the U.S.

Joe Giudice, a former star of “Real Housewives of New Jersey,” doesn’t believe the offenses he committed in 2019 justified his deportation. In a recent interview, he stated, “I definitely don’t think I should have been deported.” Giudice was born in Italy and moved to New Jersey as a child.

“I’ve been in the U.S. since I was one year old,” he explained. “My entire family, four kids, is there. So, I guess I take responsibility for my deportation. I had plenty of chances to become a citizen.” In sharing this, he seems somewhat reflective about his past decisions and their consequences.

Giudice was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison back in 2014 after admitting to fraud-related charges. These included bankruptcy fraud and submitting false information to banks over several years. He began his prison sentence in 2016 and was released in 2019, but he faced deportation to Italy since he was not a U.S. citizen.

After being sent back to Italy, Giudice relocated to the Bahamas, where he launched a business that offers private tours. He mentioned that the Bahamas now feels “pretty much” like home to him. His only regret seems to be that he didn’t pursue his U.S. citizenship sooner.

Reflecting on his deportation, he mentioned the impact on his family. “It wasn’t just me who suffered; my children went through a lot, too,” referring to his ex-wife, Teresa Giudice, another reality TV star. Both were indicted in 2013, with Teresa serving under a year in prison before Joe started his sentence.

“I absolutely don’t think I should have been deported.”

— Joe Giudice

He went on to discuss the legal advice he received during their case, sharing how it didn’t entirely play out as described. “The lawyers told me to take the plea deal, thinking Teresa would stay home while I’d go to jail. But that didn’t happen.” This reveals a bit of the chaotic nature surrounding their legal troubles.

Since his deportation, he has tried unsuccessfully to appeal but expressed frustration with the situation: “It’s baffling since other people seem to get through it without a hitch.” He oddly connects this to broader political themes, including mentions of Michelle Obama and his prior interactions with Donald Trump.

Although Giudice states he doesn’t wish to return to the U.S. indefinitely, he still hopes to attend important family events like graduations and holidays. His daughters, Gia, Gabriela, Milania, and Audriana, often visit him, making the distance a bit easier to bear.