Emergency Immigration Resources
Immigration Emergency? Take Action Now
If you are facing immediate immigration enforcement, have received a Notice to Appear, or are in removal proceedings, contact an immigration attorney immediately. Time is critical.
24/7 Hotlines
ACLU Immigrants' Rights: Know your rights information and emergency assistance
RAICES: 1-844-RAICES4 (Texas-based, national support)
Local Immigration Hotlines: Search "[your city] immigrant hotline"
Document Everything
Keep Records: All interactions with immigration officials
Preserve Evidence: Immigration documents, court papers, receipts
Emergency Plan: Share important documents with trusted contacts
Know Your Rights
Right to Remain Silent: Beyond basic identifying information
Right to Attorney: Request lawyer immediately
Right to Interpreter: Free interpretation services
Immediate Actions for Immigration Emergencies
Critical First Steps
- Contact an experienced immigration attorney immediately
- Do not sign any documents without legal representation
- Request an interpreter if needed - you have this right
- Ask for the charging documents and understand the allegations
- Remain silent beyond providing basic identifying information
- Document everything - keep records of all interactions
- Contact family members and inform them of the situation
- Gather all immigration documents and evidence immediately
Common Emergency Situations
ICE Enforcement Action
Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers at your home, workplace, or conducting arrest
Immediate Steps to Take:
- •Ask to see a warrant signed by a judge
- •Do not open door unless they have a judicial warrant
- •Exercise right to remain silent
- •Ask for lawyer immediately
- •Do not sign anything
Key Resources:
ICE Know Your Rights materials, local immigrant rights organizations
Notice to Appear (NTA)
Document charging you with removability and requiring court appearance
Immediate Steps to Take:
- •Note court date and location immediately
- •Find immigration attorney before court date
- •Gather all immigration documents and evidence
- •Do not miss court date - will result in removal order
- •File address changes if you move
Key Resources:
Immigration court directory, legal aid organizations, pro bono attorney lists
Expedited Removal
Fast-track removal process at border or within 100 miles, arrived within 2 years
Immediate Steps to Take:
- •Assert fear of persecution immediately
- •Request credible fear interview
- •Do not sign voluntary departure
- •Ask for interpreter
- •Request to contact attorney/consulate
Key Resources:
Credible fear interview preparation, asylum resources
Family Separation
Family member detained or removed, need to locate or maintain contact
Immediate Steps to Take:
- •Contact ICE locator system immediately
- •Use online detainee locator tools
- •Contact consulate if foreign national
- •Document detention facility information
- •Maintain contact through approved communication methods
Key Resources:
ICE Online Detainee Locator, local detention facility information
Deportation Defense Strategies
Available Defenses
Working with Immigration Court
Master Calendar Hearing: First court appearance to review charges and defenses
Individual Hearing: Trial where you present your case and evidence
Critical Deadlines: Missing court dates results in removal orders
Language Rights: Free interpreter services available
Legal Representation: You have the right to an attorney at your own expense
Humanitarian Visas and Protection
U Visa
PROTECTIONFor victims of certain crimes who assist law enforcement
Eligibility Requirements:
Victim of qualifying crime, suffered substantial physical or mental abuse, helpful to investigation
Protection Timeline:
Up to 4 years protection, path to permanent residence after 3 years
T Visa
PROTECTIONFor victims of severe human trafficking
Eligibility Requirements:
Victim of severe trafficking, physically present due to trafficking, assisted investigation (if requested)
Protection Timeline:
Up to 4 years protection, eligible for permanent residence after 3 years
VAWA Self-Petition
PROTECTIONFor victims of domestic violence by USC/LPR spouse, parent, or adult child
Eligibility Requirements:
Abused spouse, child, or parent of USC/LPR; demonstrated abuse; good moral character
Protection Timeline:
No deportation while pending, can lead to permanent residence
TPS (Temporary Protected Status)
PROTECTIONFor nationals of designated countries facing ongoing conflict or disaster
Eligibility Requirements:
National of designated TPS country, continuously present since designation date
Protection Timeline:
Temporary protection, renewable based on country conditions
Document Preservation
Essential Document Security Steps
- Make copies of all immigration documents immediately
- Store originals in secure, accessible location
- Give copies to trusted family member or attorney
- Create digital backups stored securely online
- Include passport, visas, green card, work authorization
- Keep marriage certificates, birth certificates, court documents
- Maintain records of all USCIS correspondence and receipts
- Document any criminal history with court dispositions
Special Protections for Children
Children in immigration proceedings have additional protections and specialized programs designed to address their unique circumstances and vulnerabilities.
Important Note:
Children's cases require specialized legal representation familiar with juvenile immigration law. Always seek attorneys experienced in representing minors in immigration proceedings.
Finding Legal Assistance
Legal Aid Societies
Non-profit organizations providing free legal assistance to low-income individuals
Services Offered:
Removal defense, applications, consultations
How to Find Help:
National Immigration Legal Services Directory
Pro Bono Programs
Volunteer attorneys providing free legal services
Services Offered:
Court representation, application assistance, legal advice
How to Find Help:
American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) pro bono directory
Law School Clinics
Law students supervised by attorneys providing services
Services Offered:
Removal proceedings, humanitarian applications, appeals
How to Find Help:
Local law schools, clinical program directories
Religious/Community Organizations
Faith-based and community groups offering immigration support
Services Offered:
Know your rights presentations, referrals, emergency assistance
How to Find Help:
Local immigrant rights coalitions, religious organizations
Critical Emergency Resources
Immediate Legal Help
Government Resources
Critical Legal Disclaimer
This is an emergency situation that requires immediate professional legal assistance.The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Immigration law is complex and changes frequently. Every case is unique and requires individualized legal analysis. In emergency situations, contact qualified immigration attorneys immediately. Do not delay seeking professional help.
⚠️ If you are in immediate danger or facing imminent removal, contact emergency legal services now. Time-sensitive immigration matters cannot wait.