Moving forward together
Get involved and learn how your voice can make a difference on the issues that are important to you!
Moving forward together
Get involved and learn how your voice can make a difference on the issues that are important to you!
Get involved and learn how your voice can make a difference on the issues that are important to you!
Get involved and learn how your voice can make a difference on the issues that are important to you!
As people of faith, we are witnessing an unprecedented attack on immigrant families. From the questioning and detention of individuals—both undocumented and U.S. citizens—to the deportation of hardworking men and women who have lived in this country for years, contributing to their communities and supporting their families despite having no criminal history, we see actions that contradict the very values America was built upon.
This is not what America stands for. It is not what made our nation great.
At Forward Latino, we are committed to defending your rights. We provide FREE Know Your Rights trainings with an immigration attorney, assist families with Power of Attorney forms, and help connect individuals with qualified, ethical, and affordable immigration lawyers. Our team is here for you—24 hours a day—because no one should face these challenges alone.
Prepare, don't panic.
Thank you, and may the Lord watch over you and your family.
— Forward Latino National Board
Forward Latino has established relationships with ethical, knowledgeable and affordable immigration attorneys. Call (414)338-9071 for a FREE referral.
Download our FREE toolkit for families at risk of separation. It includes a must do list, know your rights cards and FREE Power of Attorney forms. Toolkits are shown below on this page.
Forward Latino offers FREE Power of Attorney forms for Property and Finance as well as temporary delegation of parental power so your children can be cared for by a family member or trusted friend while you are separated. The forms are part of the toolkit which are shown below on this page.
Forward Latino provides in-person and online immigration rights training and assistance with completing Power of Attorney forms. Email us at update@forwardlatino.org to schedule your group session!
Forward Latino provides FREE Pastoral and emotional care. Call us at (414)338-9071 and request Pastoral & Emotional Care Department.
Forward Latino, Affiliates & Partners Defending our Constitution:
At Forward Latino, we proudly support the men and women of law enforcement and the United States Military. However, Forward Latino has documented multiple instances where representatives of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) failed to follow proper legal procedures during detention operations. This resulted in the constitutional rights of both immigrants and U.S. citizens alike being violated.
To help safeguard the individual rights guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution, we urge anyone who witnesses a detention to take the following steps:
SPECIAL REQUEST: Do not interfere with ICE agents or attempt to physically intervene. Your safety and the safety of others is paramount. We deeply appreciate your cooperation and commitment to upholding the principles of justice and human dignity.
Thank you for your efforts and support!
Forward Latino has developed this toolkit for individuals at risk of detention or deportation by U.S. immigration officials. It is important to complete these tasks with the assistance of a licensed immigration attorney prior to being detained. For individuals who do have lawful immigration status, we encourage you to carry your green card, work permit, or other evidence of status with you at all times. If you have any questions, please call us at (414)338-9071.
1. Consult with and establish a relationship with an immigration attorney in advance
o Review your immigration situation to determine if there is a pathway to legalization.
o Establish a relationship should you be detained and need legal representation.
o Review your legal rights.
o Keep your immigration attorney’s phone number with you at all times and share it with
your family.
2. Organize all your immigration-related documents
o Organize all of your documents, including your visa, passport, green card, birth certificate, work permits, and any other immigration-related papers.
o Keep copies of all your documents in a safe place and give copies to your attorney.
3. Establish a Power of Attorney to manage your personal affairs if needed
o Designate a trusted person to act as your Power of Attorney in the United States should you be detained or deported. This will allow them to make legal decisions and act on your behalf.
o Ensure the power of attorney document is legally binding and includes specific instructions regarding your finances, property and other assets, and the care of your children and other dependents.
4. Avoid Criminal Activity
o Adhere to all laws to avoid any actions that could lead to deportation. Even minor offenses can impact your immigration status.
o If arrested for a crime, consult with an attorney before accepting any plea deals or signing any legal agreements as it might impact your immigration status.
5. Plan Financially
o Ensure you have access to funds to cover legal fees, fines, and other expenses related to your case. Consider setting up a separate savings account for these purposes.
6. If Detained
o Stay calm and follow instructions but do not sign legal documents without having them reviewed by your attorney.
o Call your immigration attorney immediately. Immigration officials are required to allow you to call your attorney. You also have the right to remain silent until your attorney is present.
o Write down the name and phone number of your case officer as well as you’re A-number (Alien Registration Number). If you do not already have an A-number, you will be assigned one. Share this information with your attorney and family. It will assist them in locating you should you be moved to a different detention facility.
o Family members can go to https://locator.ice.gov/odls/#/search or call (888)351-4024 to find where you are being detained.
Please note National Toolkit does not include Power-of-Attorney Forms. State specific toolkits include Power-of-Attorney forms.
National Family Planning Toolkit NO POWER OF ATTORNEY FORMS English v3.0 (pdf)
DownloadNational Family Planning Toolkit NO POWER OF ATTORNEY FORMS Spanish v3_0 (pdf)
DownloadCalifornia Complete Family Planning Toolkit w Power of Attorney Forms English v3.0 (pdf)
DownloadCalifornia Complete Family Planning Toolkit w Power of Attorney Forms Spanish v3.0 (pdf)
DownloadIllinois Complete Family Planning Toolkit English v3.0 (pdf)
DownloadIllinois Complete Family Planning Toolkit Spanish v3.0 (pdf)
DownloadIowa Complete Family Planning Toolkit w Power of Attorney Forms English v3_0 (pdf)
DownloadIowa Complete Family Planning Toolkit w Power of Attorney Forms Spanish v3_0 (pdf)
DownloadMichigan Complete Family Planning Toolkit English v3.0 (pdf)
DownloadMichigan Complete Family Planning Toolkit Spanish v3.0 (pdf)
DownloadMinnesota Complete Family Planning Toolkit English v3.0 (pdf)
DownloadMinnesota Complete Family Planning Toolkit Spanish v3.0 (pdf)
DownloadOhio Complete Family Planning Toolkit English v3.0 (pdf)
DownloadOhio Complete Family Planning Toolkit Spanish v3.0 (pdf)
DownloadSister Norma Pimentel of Catholic Charities receives a briefing from Pastors that manage the Senda de la Vida refugee camp in Reynosa, Tamaulipas.
From Civil Rights, Civic Engagement, Immigration, DACA, Drivers Permits, Gun Violence Prevention Instate Tuition and Youth Programming, Forward Latino allows our members to focus their efforts on the issues they are most passionate about.
Forward Latino empowers affiliates to inspire and engage communities, strengthen our democracy, improve the lives of working families, protect the environment, and stand up for equality and civil rights. We cultivate, train, and support a diverse national network of Latina/o/x community leaders addressing the civic, economic, and political challenges of the 21st century.
Forward Latino, Inc.,
3419A W. Forest Home Ave., Suite 2, Milwaukee, WI 53215
Direct: (414)338-9071 Toll-Free (833)LAT-INO1