Devin Connolly was recently quoted in a Radar exclusive discussing how protective orders can impact U.S. immigration actions for non-citizens, specifically examining the immigration implications stemming from the increasingly contentious divorce between actress Denise Richards and her estranged husband, Aaron Phypers.
As detailed in the article, “EXCLUSIVE: Denise Richards’ Estranged Ex Aaron Phypers ‘Opening Himself Up to the Possibility of Deportation’ as Their Divorce War Turns Nasty, Immigration Attorney Claims,” Richards was recently granted a five-year protective order against Phypers, stemming from allegations of abuse. During court proceedings, questions were raised by Phypers’ counsel about how the restraining order could affect his immigration status, given his Canadian citizenship.
Devin notes that while a restraining order alone does not trigger removal proceedings, it can complicate this case. He tells Radar, “Whether a person is subject to being deported from the U.S. is often a complex matter. This is especially true when a person is potentially being deported because of a criminal conviction, or perhaps the allegation of criminal activity.”
“However, a non-United States citizen who violates a protective order is certainly opening themselves up to the possibility of deportation,” he continues to emphasize.
