Joe Giudice Reflects on Deportation and Family Impact After Prison
Joe Giudice, former star of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, has opened up about his deportation to Italy and the legal troubles that led to his three-and-a-half-year federal prison sentence and seven months in ICE detention.
During an exclusive Zoom interview with Page Six, Giudice expressed sharp regret over not becoming a US citizen earlier, which he believes would have minimized his legal consequences and prevented his deportation. “I should have just became a citizen a long time ago, so I’m not blaming anybody,” Giudice said. “I had a chance to become a citizen many, many times.”
Born in Italy but raised in New Jersey since infancy, Giudice has built a new life since his 2020 deportation, relocating to the Bahamas where he has launched business ventures including real estate developments and personalized tours dubbed “Juicy Joe” tours.
Prison and Deportation Stemmed from Past Criminal Charges
Giudice described his past crimes as “stupid” and “minimal,” emphasizing that his charges would likely have been treated as misdemeanors had he been a US citizen. He served time for fraud-related charges, which included a plea deal following an indictment alongside his ex-wife Teresa Giudice in 2013. Despite urging for a trial, his lawyers advised him to accept the deal, which led to prison while Teresa remained free.
“But being that I wasn’t a citizen, I had to do all that extra time and go through all that,” he stated, adding that the harsh experience affected not only him but also his family. “My poor kids, my ex, my family—they had to go through a lot as well.”
Giudice highlighted that he never committed violent crimes, nor did he “rob nobody,” or “default any mortgages.” The businessman shares four daughters—Gia, Gabriella, Milania, and Audriana—with Teresa, and he voiced deep frustration over his inability to be with them during key family milestones.
Legal Battles and Family Ties Continue
Multiple appeals to overturn his deportation failed, which Giudice suspects was due to bias within the immigration system. He also expressed astonishment over former First Lady Michelle Obama publicly citing Teresa Giudice as a favorite Housewife on her podcast.
Despite public claims of knowing former President Donald Trump due to reality TV connections, Joe confirmed he has received no presidential pardon and has no plans to pursue additional appeals. He lamented the ongoing separation from his daughters, especially missing birthdays, graduations, holidays, and family gatherings.
“I don’t wanna live [in Italy]. I just want to be able to go to my daughters’ graduations, Easter, Christmas, holidays,” he said.
Relationship with Teresa and New Chapter
Giudice described his relationship with Teresa as “very good,” expressing happiness over her continued role on RHONJ. He also praised Teresa’s current husband, Luis “Louie” Ruelas, calling him a “good guy” who maintains respect and positive relations with Giudice and their children.
“If my ex is happy, I’m happy,” Joe added.
For now, Giudice is focused on new business opportunities, determined to remain “busy” and build a positive future despite his complex past and ongoing challenges related to his immigration status.
As this story develops, Giudice’s journey highlights broader issues about citizenship, legal consequences, and family separation in the US immigration system, resonating with many Americans facing similar struggles.
