Despite the challenges that face us right now, there is power in preparation. Legal organizations, mutual aid groups, and advocacy networks are more active than ever, offering resources to help immigrants navigate these uncertain times. Building a family emergency plan, connecting with rapid response networks, and staying informed about legal developments are key strategies. The looming threats are real, but so is our power and resilience.
Some changes to immigration policies can happen quickly, others might take more time. Make sure you do your best to prepare ahead and protect yourself.
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USAHello’s 2025 Immigration Guide: This guide will help you prepare for immigration policy changes announced under the new Trump administration. This free online center for information and education will be constantly updated and available in over ten languages. English I Spanish
If you suspect or learn about upcoming immigration enforcement actions in your community, it’s crucial to have a plan in place.
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Emergency Plan Advice: Create a personal and family safety plan. Here are some template plans and checklists:
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We Have Rights Emergency Preparedness Plans: English I Haitian-Creole I Spanish4
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Do not share your emergency plan or safety plan with ICE. Your emergency or safety plan is for your use or the use of a trusted friend or family member. The plan should not be provided to ICE or shared with ICE as it may contain information that can be used against you in immigration proceedings, including information related to your country of birth.
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If you or a loved one faces detention, deportation, or any complex immigration issue, the below resources and advice may be helpful:
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Immigration Advocates Network: A national network of pro bono (free) and low-cost immigration service providers. Use their directory to find an attorney near you. Link
- List of Pro Bono Legal Service Providers (Department of Justice): Comprehensive listing of free or low-cost legal representation. Organized by state and region. Link
- ICE – Online Detainee Locator System: Official government tool to find someone in ICE detention. Information is updated regularly but can sometimes experience delays. Link
- Avoid immigration fraud:
- Only seek legal advice from an attorney or an accredited representative at a Department of Justice-recognized nonprofit organization.
- Lawyers must have a license from a U.S. state to practice law. Ask to see their law license. Law licenses from other countries do not authorize the practice of law in the United States.
- Accredited representatives must be accredited and work for a nonprofit agency recognized by the Department of Justice. Ask to see their accreditation documents.
- Never sign a document that you haven’t read or had translated for you.
- Never sign an application with false information.
- Never sign a blank form.
- Ask for copies of everything you sign.
- If the advice sounds too good to be true, get a second opinion before filing an immigration application.
- Read NIJC’s full guidance on how to avoid immigration fraud.
- Be alert for digital scams:
- Be skeptical of social media posts promising new or quick immigration relief.
- The U.S. government (including the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and State Department) will never contact you via WhatsApp or social media.
- With limited exceptions (such as people who are released from detention and told they must check in with ICE via telephone), the U.S. government generally does not contact individuals by phone.
- If you receive an unexpected message or phone call from someone who claims they are an immigration officer or other government official, do not respond or share personal information. Do not wire or transfer money to pay a “processing fee” or for any other reason. If in doubt, consult an attorney or accredited representative before taking any action.
- Avoid sharing unverified information on social media.
