Avoiding Unintended Consequences in Civil Advocacy for Criminally Charged Immigrants

Avoiding Unintended Consequences in Civil Advocacy for Criminally Charged Immigrants

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Immigrants who have been criminally charged are subject to numerous and serious consequences that go beyond the criminal penalties. Even a relatively minor interaction with the criminal justice system may jeopardize immigrants’ legal status or eligibility for obtaining legal status, thus affecting their ability to live, work, support, and remain with their families in the United States. Many criminal court dispositions may result in immediate detention and the initiation of removal (i.e., deportation) proceedings—even if the immigrant is a long-time lawful permanent resident and has a U.S. citizen family. Civil legal aid organizations and others engaged in civil advocacy on behalf of immigrants should be aware of the consequences of criminal charges. In this article I present an overview of the issues and resources for additional information.

Source Publication

Social Work with Immigrants and Refugees: Legal Issues, Clinical Skills, and Advocacy

Source Editors/Authors

Fernando Chang-Muy, Elaine P. Congress

Publication Date

2009

Edition

1

Avoiding Unintended Consequences in Civil Advocacy for Criminally Charged Immigrants

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