Navigating the immigration system and understanding your legal rights can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to create a stable future for your family. Whether you’re new to the United States or have been here for years, it’s important to remember that you have rights and that support is available.
Immigration status can impact many aspects of daily life, from employment and education to healthcare access and housing. While the legal system may seem complex and intimidating, understanding your rights and options is the first step toward building a secure foundation for your family’s future.
While each family’s immigration journey is unique, you don’t have to face these challenges alone. From legal representation and advocacy groups to community organizations and educational resources, there are dedicated professionals and support networks ready to help you navigate this process. Many organizations offer assistance in multiple languages and understand the cultural nuances that come with immigration.
We encourage you to explore the resources below. Remember, seeking information and support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Your determination to understand and exercise your rights not only benefits your immediate family but also contributes to building stronger, more inclusive communities.
Le animamos a explorar los recursos a continuación. Recuerde, buscar información y apoyo es una señal de fortaleza, no de debilidad. Su determinación de comprender y ejercer sus derechos no solo beneficia a su familia inmediata sino que también contribuye a construir comunidades más fuertes e inclusivas.
Immigration Legal Rights and Resources
Every individual in the U.S., including undocumented immigrants, has the right to remain silent and seek legal help if stopped by immigration or police officer.
Todo individuo en los EE. UU., incluidos los inmigrantes indocumentados, tiene derecho a permanecer en silencio y buscar ayuda legal si lo detiene un oficial de inmigración o de policía.
Factsheets from the National Immigration Law Center
(Available in Chinese, Korean, Arabic, and Spanish translations)
Order or print wallet-sized cards to help people assert their rights (Available in 16 different translations)
Los enlaces anteriores proporcionan datos sobre los derechos legales de los inmigrantes en los Estados Unidos.
Immigration Equality: Advocates for and represents lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ), and HIV-positive immigrants seeking safety, fair treatment, and freedom.
Encuentre recursos para inmigrantes LGBTQ.
Immigration Advocates Network: Their Advocate Resource Center connects the advocate community to training and materials from national experts. Search for immigration legal service providers by state, county, or detention facility. All service providers are free or low-cost.
Busque servicios legales gratuitos o de bajo costo.
Catholic Charities Immigration Services: Catholic Charities immigration services support the federal government’s right and duty to regulate borders while also calling for bipartisan, effective, humane reforms to the immigration system.
Search for a local agency for assistance.
Servicios de Inmigración de Caridades Católicas
Counselors: Supporting Families/Children/Clients Facing Deportation
Provide portable Treatment/Intervention Plans
- Document Current Dx and Progress: Provide detailed records of the child’s/client’s diagnosis, goals, progress, and any assessments conducted. Use clear and concise language, avoiding jargon, so it can be understood by professionals in the destination country.
- Service summary letters: Draft a summary of services provided and recommendations for future therapy in the destination country.
Train Families/Caregivers
- Offer workshops or sessions for families on strategies they can use (e.g., coping skills, emotion regulation) to continue supporting therapeutic growth.
- Emphasize Support Systems – Work with families to develop strategies to support each other emotionally and build collective strategies for anxious and stressful situations.
Provide Tools/Resources in Home Languages
- Share materials in the family’s primary language to ensure accessibility.
- Mobile Apps: Recommend apps that support emotion regulation and coping skills as well as translation apps that may be of assistance with travel or immigration communications.
- Online Resources: Share links to free or affordable therapy resources, such as videos or downloadable activities.
- Virtual Follow-Up: If possible, guide families to online support groups or services available in the destination country.
Prepare for Immediate Needs
- In cases where families must leave abruptly, prioritize providing families with accessible, portable tools (e.g., one-pagers with basic rights information, therapeutic tools, etc) and essential information.
Connect with Community Resources
- Partner with local immigrant advocacy groups, religious organizations, or community centers that might assist families in navigating deportation and maintaining access to education, health, and therapy services.
Connect with Local Services
- Research services in the destination country: Identify organizations, schools, or clinics that provide therapeutic support in the destination country. Provide families with contact information, if possible.
Connect Families with Support Networks
- Facilitate connections between families with shared experiences to share advice and support each other during this process.
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