Non-citizens involved in the criminal justice system confront additional and severe consequences. It often makes no difference if a person has lived in the United States for a long time or has ties to the U.S. and family here; guilty pleas and convictions can - and frequently do - lead to immediate detention and the initiation of deportation proceedings.

In addition to detention and deportation proceedings, some of the other consequences of arrests for non-citizens may include not being able to get health insurance; not being able to become a citizen or obtain a green card; and not being able to apply for asylum.

This folder contains practice materials for attorneys and self-help materials for individuals facing immigration issues related to criminal justice involvement. Many of these resources, particularly in the folder "Training & Pro Se Materials for Advocates and Clients," will also be useful to caseworkers and other non-legal service providers.

Many of these resources are links directly to the Immigrant Defense Project and the Defending Immigrants Partnership. For additional materials, also visit the Immigration Advocates Network. Defense attorneys with specific immigration questions can call the Immigrant Defense Project Hotline on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30pm to 4:30pm: (718) 858-9658 x201.

Read the "frequently asked questions" on immigration and reentry from the People's Guide.

For extensive materials on representing individuals seeking asylum in the U.S., please visit Pro Bono Net's Asylum Practice Area.