Defenses to deportation

(a) Defenses based on seven years of permanent residence The last sentence of section 212(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1182(c)) is amended by striking out has served for such felony or felonies and all that follows through the period and inserting in lieu thereof has been sentenced for such felony or felonies to a term of imprisonment of at least 5 years, Provided, That the time for appealing such conviction or sentence has expired and the sentence has become final.. (b) Defenses based on withholding of deportation Section 243(h)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1253(h)(2)) is amended by— (1) striking out the final sentence and inserting in lieu thereof the following new subparagraph: (E) the alien has been convicted of a felony.; and (2) striking out the or at the end of subparagraph (C) and inserting or at the end of subparagraph (D).