Important Next Steps: Actions to Take Today for Your Immigration Concerns
1. Know Your Rights
It's important to know your rights - what to do and what not to do if you're approached by an Immigration Officer.
The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights has produced a helpful handout with information. While ICIRR’s 24-Hour Family Support Hotline (1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY) is specifically for IL, the handout has information that is relevant nationwide.
The National Detention & Abuse Reporting Hotline is available for families needing to connect with those who may be detained.
2. Create a Safety Plan
Do you have a family member's phone number memorized? Are there plans in place if your family is separated?
While you never hope to need a safety plan, it's important to have one in place in case of an emergency. Consider creating legal documents like a Power of Attorney, and if you have children, Short Term Guardianship.
We Have Rights has produced a tool to help create an emergency/safety plan for you and your family, as well as other helpful resources to help you prepare.
3. Seek Legal Assistance
Administer Justice's Gospel Justice Centers can help guide and refer you to the legal resources you need.
Other resources for finding immigration attorneys, like immigrationlawhelp.org provide options that are available in your local area.
Essential Tools and Resources for Immigration Challenges
Find Legal Help
Access affordable or pro bono legal services through nonprofit organizations and immigration attorneys.
Administer Justice's Justice Centers may be available in your area. Or you may find local options on Immigration Law Help.
Keep Information and Resources On Hand
Learn about your rights in the U.S. as an immigrant, whether documented or undocumented, to protect yourself and your family.
The Immigrant Legal Resource Center's Red Cards provide a printable item to keep with you in the event of an encounter with Immigration enforcement officers.
Ensure you have your safety plan ready and accessible; which would include contact details, Power of Attorney, Short Term Guardianship and other vital information.
Educate Yourself Through Videos
Watch online videos to learn about what to do in various situations if you encounter ICE at home or in your community.
English Videos | Spanish Videos
Contact the Family Support Network Hotline
Illinois Specific: If you or a loved one is facing a deportation crisis, the Family Support Network provides immediate support, including a 24/7 hotline at 1-855-435-7693.
National and other state options are also available.
Our Justice Center Teams Partner With You to Help With Your Immigration Challenges
We know the fear and uncertainty that communities of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers are facing in this current crisis. This fear is often preyed upon by groups that would offer fraudulent support, creating greater harm.
Our Justice Centers are Different
Booking an appointment at one of our Justice Centers not only provides personalized next steps, but will give you a community who will come around you. They will care for you and walk with you during this challenging time.
A visit will provide you resources to help you know your rights, create a power of attorney, or put together a safety plan for you and your family.
If your situation requires an immigration lawyer to guide you further, referrals can be provided and pursued while the Justice Center team provides practical care and support for your immediate needs.
How We Work
When you work with Administer Justice, you'll receive personalized attention and specific guidance from our caring team and volunteer attorneys. Here's how:
1. Schedule
Schedule your one-on-one consultation with an attorney.
Book online or
by phone: (855) 818-4554
2. Meet
Meet with your attorney. You'll discuss your immigration issue and get personalized legal advice.
3. Take Action
Your attorney will help you understand your legal options and next steps you should take.
Visit a Justice Center Near You
Take the first step to overcoming your legal problem. Search your zip code below and click the name of the center for more information and a link to schedule a legal aid appointment today.
Have questions or need more help scheduling an appointment? Call (855) 818-4554
Juanita
"When I finished rambling about my story/experience, I didn’t feel rushed or judged for it. The whole team was calming and encouraging."
Jack
"I love how they had my best interest at heart. They really help you."
Ana
"The team listened and was able to discern the multiple issues our family is facing. The spiritual guidance was very comforting."
Ways Your Church Can Provide Help to Your Immigrant Neighbors
There are many confusing legal situations that impact your church and community. The concern over asylum, immigration, and refugee programs and the individuals impacted by these programs continue to be an area of urgent need.
The Bible clearly calls us to welcome the stranger and seek justice for the vulnerable and outsider.
Administer Justice provides ways your church can support neighbors who are impacted by changing programs and experiencing fear at this time. For practical advice to prepare in the event that ICE enters your place of worship, check out the World Relief resource here.
Refer Clients to Legal Help
Whether or not your church is hosting a Gospel Justice Center, you can refer individuals to an appointment where they will receive prayer, support, and next steps for their situation.
Host a Gospel Justice Center
Administer Justice makes doing justice simple. Hosting a Gospel Justice Center allows you to provide life-changing legal aid and spiritual support to neighbors in need. Learn about how to host a center.
Educate and Advocate
It is important for the church to raise her voice and advocate for laws that protect the vulnerable.
World Relief provides helpful resources to learn and advocate for change. We Have Rights has produced informative videos and content to train and educate on the situation. Or look for local organizations working in your neighborhoods to improve the experience of neighbors in need.
Common Immigration Questions
Below are several common questions and answers for you and your immigration concerns. For other questions, check out this World Relief resource.
Be careful. Unfortunately, some people take advantage of fear. There is much uncertainty now. Only seek help from not-for-profits or reputable law firms. We list some on this page. Do not see a notario.
No. You have the right to remain silent and talk to an attorney. Administer Justice is happy to have an attorney speak with you or speak with any reputable immigration firm.
No. The 5th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects you from warrantless searches in your home or car.
No. You should never sign anything you do not understand. You can ask to review with an attorney.
Yes. If you are not a citizen you have a right to call the consulate of your home country. Authorities must let your consulate visit or speak with you.
Have questions on other legal topics?
Check out some of our other resources.
