Planning and protection for our community

The federal government has eliminated protections while increasing persecution of immigrants. At the same time, community and legal aid organizations have expanded their services. Preparing a plan now can help you and your loved ones stay safe when facing ICE or in immigration court.

Make a plan.

It is essential to prepare a family emergency plan in case of detention or deportation. Decide who will care for children, how to protect finances, and where to store important documents.

These steps can reduce the harm if detention happens suddenly. For more information, see the interactive plan.

You can also use the family preparedness forms from NYIC.

And the family preparedness guide from ILRC.

If you are in an immigration process.

Emergency plans have limits because of misconduct by agents, court decisions, or human error. These risks are higher for people in Immigration Court or in Department of Homeland Security proceedings.

First, assess your risk and understand your case. There are only a few legal paths to citizenship or permanent residence, most handled by USCIS. Immigration courts, known as EOIR, only get involved once a removal charge is filed.

Always consult with an immigration attorney or a DOJ-accredited provider. Free or low-cost legal help is available, and connecting early can help you prepare documents, meet deadlines, and avoid scams.

A national list of pro bono legal services.

Legal referrals in Spanish are posted by UnLocal.

Hotlines include the Office for New Americans at 1-800-566-7636, the Immigration Defense Project at 1-212-725-6422, and MOIA at 1-800-354-0365.

If you have a court hearing scheduled.

The current administration has ended humanitarian programs and targeted asylum seekers and people in deportation proceedings. Defensive asylum cases, reviewed by judges, carry the risk of ICE detention during hearings.

At 26 Federal Plaza in New York, federal agents have detained community members immediately after hearings. Missing a hearing can result in a deportation order, making legal relief more difficult.

If you or someone you know has a court date, preparation is critical.

Consider requesting a virtual hearing, and seek legal or community accompaniment whenever possible. A guide to requesting a WebEx virtual hearing.

If you must attend in person, bring an attorney if possible, and prepare documents that can prevent expedited removal. Go with a U.S. citizen friend for support. Be ready in case of detention: eat beforehand, wear comfortable clothing, memorize or write down a phone number, and share your A-number with a trusted contact.

Educational resources.

Several guides explain asylum, expedited removal, and other forms of relief. They can help you better understand your rights and prepare for different outcomes.

See Relief Options in Spanish.

Read What is Asylum (Spanish, English, French).

Information about expedited removal.

For guidance on immigration court arrests.

The EOIR hearing date portal.