Introduction

Chief Administrative Judge Lawrence Marks formed the Advisory Council on Immigration Issues in Family Court in September, 2015, in response to widespread recognition among judges, advocates, and litigants that federal immigration law is relevant to matters in New York’s Family Courts on a daily basis. The Council, which includes judges, attorneys, advocates, administrators and experts in the field, addresses that interplay of immigration law and Family Court matters in a number of ways, including proposing court rules, regulations and legislative action to the Office of Court Administration; responding through direct outreach to the bench, the bar, and litigants; developing and dispersing informational memoranda; and conducting presentations and trainings. The Council addresses a wide variety of issues, including access to immigration benefits – such as Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, Violence Against Women Act relief, U-Visas, and family visas – that relate directly and indirectly to Family Court proceedings; potential adverse immigration consequences to adjudications in Family Court matters; and systemic concerns such as translation issues and access to court barriers. The Council meets approximately four times per year, and has a Consultants group that periodically serves to advise the Council regarding publications and long-term planning.