Family Separation Planning Toolkit
Be Prepared!
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 (833)LAT-INO1.
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.
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Forward LATINO
About Us
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Our Programs & Issues
Our amazing team comes from varying for profit and non-profit backgrounds and all have a long record of commitment and service to our nations Hispanic community on issues ranging from civil rights, civic engagement, education, immigration and more.
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Our Programs & Issues
Our Programs & Issues
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.
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Our Mission
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.