UnidosUS and Affiliates Stand Ready to Support Immigrant Communities

on in Immigration

By Gary Sang, Immigrant Integration Program Manager 

UnidosUS and its Affiliate Network have swiftly mobilized in response to the election results, determined to support communities from the threat of deportation. We aim to ensure the immigrant community has the tools and resources necessary to navigate the changes ahead. 

Supporting the Immigrant Community through Legal Services 

Immigration law is complex and policy shifts can be daunting. That’s why community-based legal service providers are essential to ensuring immigrants have access to accurate, reliable information and affordable legal assistance. In the wake of the election, UnidosUS Affiliates have added Know Your Rights workshops to their workload, answering community inquiries and helping families prepare for potential immigration challenges, including the risk of mass deportations. 

Affiliates such as  The Resurrection Project, CASA, Make the Road NY, Proyecto Inmigrante ICS and Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition, among others, are vital in equipping immigrant communities with the knowledge they need and safeguarding them from fraudulent actors who seek to exploit vulnerable individuals. UnidosUS Affiliate TODEC has been featured in the Los Angeles Times and The New York Times for their work in Southern California, including farmworker communities, where they provide essential information. The packed information sessions and jammed phone lines demonstrate the demand for this work. 

These Affiliates also provide direct support to help community members apply for immigration relief, educate them on their rights in the event of immigration enforcement and mobilize communities to protect themselves in worst-case scenarios. The high demand for these services highlights the urgency of community-based support in these uncertain times. 

Resources for the Community 

UnidosUS is committed to ensuring community members have access to the tools and information they need. These resources are designed to help individuals understand their rights, find trusted legal help and create plans for responding to potential immigration raids or detentions. However, it’s important to note that these resources are not intended as legal advice. Individuals should seek state-specific legal counsel as needed. 

Know Your Rights 

Everyone has rights, regardless of immigration status. These resources provide valuable information to help immigrants understand and assert their rights during interactions with immigration officials: 

  • Know Your Rights Guide — Created by the National Immigration Law Center (NILC), this guide outlines the rights of immigrants in the U.S., regardless of changes in immigration enforcement policies. It is also available in Spanish and other languages.  
  • Red Cards — Developed by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC), these printable cards, available in multiple languages, help individuals assert their rights if approached by immigration officers. 
  • Additional Resources — Videos and toolkits from the Ready to Stay coalition offer helpful materials in multiple languages. 

Finding Qualified Immigration Legal Services Providers 

When seeking legal help, it’s important to find qualified professionals who can offer reliable support. Here are two resources that can connect individuals with trusted legal providers: 

  • ImmigrationLawHelp — A searchable directory to help individuals find trusted, nonprofit immigration legal service providers in their area. 
  • AILA Directory — A directory of qualified private immigration attorneys who are members of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA). 

Creating a Plan and Responding to Immigration Raids  

Communities should be prepared to respond to immigration enforcement actions. These resources can help organizations and individuals plan for and react to raids or detentions:  

  • Rapid Response Toolkit — Developed by CLINIC, this toolkit provides a comprehensive plan and best practices for communities to respond effectively during and after immigration raids and arrests. 
  • Lessons from East Tennessee: A Toolkit for Organizations Responding to Mass Worksite Immigration Raids — A toolkit from NILC and the Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition for responding to mass immigration raids, protecting workers’ rights and supporting affected families. 
  • ABA Detention Hotline — The American Bar Association operates a free hotline for friends and family who have a loved one detained by ICE. The ABA Commission on Immigration’s Detention Hotline can be reached at 202-442-3363 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday. 

Beware of Notario Fraud and Anyone Engaging in the Unauthorized Practice of Immigration Law 

It is critical to stay vigilant against fraud and scams related to immigration. In the United States, only an attorney licensed to practice law or a Department of Justice- (DOJ) accredited representative working at a DOJ-recognized organization are authorized to provide legal advice and representation related to immigration matters. Stay informed, vigilant and report any suspicious activity. 

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If an individual encounters fraud or scams, here is how to act: 

Standing Together for Immigrant Communities 

As the new administration and Congress begin their terms, UnidosUS Affiliates — many of which are community organizations serving immigrants — will continue to lead the charge in responding to immigration enforcement and guiding communities through shifting policies. UnidosUS is steadfast in its commitment to advocate for the safety and well-being of mixed-status families, including long-residing undocumented individuals, Dreamers, DACA recipients, TPS holders and those with parole status. Alongside our Affiliates and partners, we will continue to push for immigration policies that are aligned with our country’s values and that are fair, firm and free of cruelty.

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