Having a Plan Makes the Difference

Keep all of your important documents in an easily accessible place. Make copies of these

documents for a family member or close friend to keep in case of emergency.

• Passport
• Birth Certificate
• Marriage License
• Car Titles and Property Deeds
• All immigration documents, including “A” number if you have one

Speak with a trusted immigration attorney to get guidance on your individual immigration situation

• Always have the number or card of a respected legal service provider or immigration attorney in case of emergency.
• Your family should also have these numbers. Memorize that family member’s number.

Have an emergency plan at your place of work

• Ask if your coworkers are willing to stay silent and ask to speak with an attorney in the

event that immigration comes to your workplace.

• If your workplace has a union, speak with the union representative to learn how

to prepare in case immigration comes to your workplace.

Have a plan to protect your family

• Prepare a “Power of Attorney” form to ensure the proper care of your children with relative or family friend in case you are detained or deported. 
• Obtain a valid passport for your children.
  • If your child is a citizen of the United States, obtain a passport for them as soon as possible. They will need this to travel outside of the country and prove citizenship later.
  • If your child is not a citizen of the U.S., obtain a passport from their country of citizenship. You can get this from your country’s consulate.

• Register your child as a citizen of your country at that country’s consulate so you do not have problems there once you arrive.
  • For example, in some countries, children that are not registered cannot attend school.