- When a non-citizen is held in contempt and given jail time, the individual becomes vulnerable to detection by ICE and deportation proceedings.
- ICE referral or custody should not deprive a non-citizen litigant’s access to the family court proceeding.
Detention and Immigration Enforcement Referral
Certain non-citizens, once detained in a local, state or federal jail or prison, may be subject to referral to ICE.
Incarceration can also lead to the denial of immigration benefits and relief
- Any time spent in jail can lead to the discretionary denial of citizenship, permanent residence, and lead to the loss of protection from deportation.
- If a parent is barred from naturalizing, or achieving another immigration benefit, their children may also become ineligible.
- Any immigration benefit that is denied may also impact the immigration status and/or benefit afforded to other non-citizen family members (including opposing non-citizen family litigants).
Click here for a complete guide on Contempt & Incarceration
