Immigration & Consular Access Supplement

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

A Jailhouse Lawyer’s Manual is written and updated by members of the Columbia Human Rights Law Review. The law prohibits us from providing any legal advice to prisoners. The information is not intended as legal advice or representation nor should you consider it as such. Additionally, your use of the JLM should not be construed as creating an attorney-client relationship with the JLM staff or anyone at Columbia Law School. We have attempted to provide information that is up to date and useful. However, because the law changes frequently, we cannot guarantee that this information is current or correct.

If you are printing chapters of the JLM for use by someone other than yourself, please include the title page and legal disclaimer, which can be accessed in PDF form by clicking on the blue, “Title Page & Legal Disclaimer” link below.

Note from the JLM Board (February 9, 2026) 
This Immigration Supplement was revised and finalized in the latter half of 2025. Immigration law changes rapidly and some of the law in our 2025 supplement may no longer be up-to-date and accurate. You should NOT assume that everything you read in this Supplement is up to date or accurate. You should ALWAYS make sure the laws mentioned are correct. You can make sure the laws are correct by looking at the sources listed in Appendix C and contacting organizations listed in Appendix D at the end of this Supplement. 
 
Title Page & Legal Disclaimer
Chapter 1. The Immigration Consequences of Criminal Activity
Table of Contents
Chapter 2. The Right to Consular Access