The Intersection of Family Law and Immigration: Virginia and the Big Picture

Abstract

It is most important to understand how key family law notions and policies may intersect with immigration. A recognition that immigration functions as family policy is the starting point for addressing challenges for families in immigration. It is also helpful to understand that children are more often than not caught in the middle of their family’s immigration problems. While this article considers immigration in the context of its intersection with state domestic relations courts in Virginia, it assesses and challenges the big picture for all states as well as the nation. It also considers challenges of the current immigration code to legal immigration and their affect on children.

Keywords: Children, Family, Family Law, Immigration

JEL Classification: K1