Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Pennsylvania

Civil Law Suits by Non-US Citizens

Dear Attorney,

I know a Chinese National who has been in the US for 5 years on a Work Visa. He has applied for US citizenship, but has been unsuccessful so far. Question: Can he sue an American citizen in Civil Court over a Security Deposit issue(he may not get it back due to damages). I was told he MAY have to meet resident requirements for a particular State, County, Town, etc., for a certain amount of time before he could sue a US citizen in Civil Court. He moved from Virginia to West Chester, PA on 11-1-08, so he has only been in PA for a bit over 1.5 months. Any help with this question would be greatly appreciated. Have a Happy Holiday season!

Thank You!


Asked on 12/18/08, 11:50 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
John Davidson Law Office of John A. Davidson

Re: Civil Law Suits by Non-US Citizens

I don't know who told you that but I suspect it wasn't a lawyer.

Its not true. For example a resident of say Ohio could sue you in a Pennsylvania court. This is because even though the court doesn't have personal jurisdiction over the plaintiff because he doesn't live in the court's district. It has it by the implied consent given by the act of filing in with that court.

Further, once a person enters the United States the US Constitution applies to that person.

If you have any questions feel free to contact me. The initial consultation is free.

{John}

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Answered on 12/18/08, 1:42 pm


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