Legal Definitions - nonremovable inmate

Definition: A nonremovable inmate is an individual who is detained and would typically be deported, but cannot be deported because the United States does not have diplomatic relations with their country of origin. This type of inmate is also known as an indefinite detainee or a lifer.

Example: An individual from North Korea is arrested and detained in the United States. However, because the U.S. does not have diplomatic relations with North Korea, this individual cannot be deported and becomes a nonremovable inmate.

Explanation: This example illustrates how a person can become a nonremovable inmate due to the lack of diplomatic relations between their country of origin and the United States. In this case, the individual cannot be deported and will remain in detention indefinitely.