- 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).
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