Abstract
This Article explores the current immigration laws causing mixed immigration status families to become separated and analyzes what the role of the United States government should be in solving this crisis. Part II discusses the current crisis occurring when families are separated due to factors such as deportation. Part III analyzes the changes brought by the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 ("IIRIRA") and how these changes have negatively impacted immigrant families. Part IV examines the increasing number of deportations due to changes in the penalties for crimes committed by immigrants. Part V explores the legal protections for families available under the United States Constitution, decisions of the Supreme Court of the United States, and applicable international laws. Finally, Part VI provides an analysis of what the United States government should do to remedy this situation and provide relief to families facing separation.
Recommended Citation
Anna-Liisa Jacobson,
Dividing Lives: How Deporting Legal and Illegal Immigrants with United States-Born Children is Separating Families and Why United States and International Laws are Failing Families,
12
Rich. J.L. & Pub. Int.
191
(2009).
Available at:
https://scholarship.richmond.edu/jolpi/vol12/iss3/4