Everyone in the United States has certain rights guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution, regardless of immigration status. Given the heightened levels of uncertainty and fear in communities, noncitizens and citizens alike may require even greater accompaniment and comprehensive support during this time and months ahead. Depending on someone’s individual circumstances it may make sense to talk to a lawyer for more specialized assistance. The resources listed below can help communities stay generally informed, prepared, and united in support of immigrant neighbors.

Note: This information is not a substitute for advice from a lawyer. Laws may vary by state.

 

SUGGESTED RESOURCES

General Know Your Rights Resources

Red Card: This guide provides basic information about important practices to remember during encounters with law or immigration enforcement. You can print the Red Card which can be handed to an officer to assert your rights.

Your Rights: You have certain rights if questioned or pulled over.

What to do if ICE comes to your door?

What to do if ICE comes to your workplace?

What to do if ICE questions, detains, or arrests you as a U.S. Citizen?

What to do in an immigration raid?

What is a family preparation plan? A family preparation plan is a comprehensive plan in case of immigration emergencies, regardless of immigration status. Many organizations provide step-by-step instructions.

 

Information by Category

Adjustment of Status and Naturalization

Asylum

Deportation Defense

What is deportation defense? Deportation defense can include community-led campaigns to stop the deportation of community members using legal interventions and community advocacy to highlight that community member’s contributions to society.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

What is DACA? DACA has allowed young immigrants who grew up in the U.S. to seek temporary protection from deportation and to have the ability to work. It’s fate is currently being litigated in the courts.

Deferred Enforced Departure

What is DED? DED allows foreign nationals to be protected from deportation and have the opportunity to work. DED is granted through the President’s foreign relations power.

Non-Immigrant Visas

Sensitive Locations

Temporary Protected Status

What is TPS? TPS may be designated by the Department of Homeland Security in cases of ongoing armed conflict, environmental disaster, or other extraordinary and temporary conditions which prevent individuals from safely returning home. Individuals must meet certain presence requirements but may be eligible to remain in the country during the designation period and obtain work authorization.

  • Visit uscis.gov for more information.
  • Catholic Legal Immigration Network Inc.: Latest on TPS and DACA
  • Alianza America: Re-registration Information for beneficiaries from El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua [Spanish]

Unaccompanied Children & Sponsors

 

CRISIS RESOURCES

Find Legal Help

Find Mental Health Help

  • National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) Helpline: 800-950-NAMI (6264) or reach out to info@nami.org
  • Substance Abuse and Mental health Administration (SAMHSA) Helpline: 800-622-HELP (4357)
  • Healing Horizons, Trauma Informed care for immigrants and asylum seekers: Healing Horizons

Trafficking Hotline

  • National Human Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888 or Text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733)
  • Indicator Card: This card provides a brief list of common indicators of human trafficking, the difference between human smuggling and human trafficking, and a DHS reporting option. [Spanish | Arabic | Chinese (Simplified) | Dari | Haitian Creole | Urdu ]