Everyone should have an emergency plan in place, regardless of immigration status. Planning ahead can help protect your loved ones and ensure critical decisions are made with care.
Basic Emergency Preparedness Steps:
- Designate an emergency contact person — someone reliable who can be reached quickly.
- Carry a Know Your Rights (KYR) card with you at all times.
- Identify an immigration attorney in advance and keep their contact information with you at all times.
- Locate trusted local organizations that offer support, such as legal aid groups, churches, and worker centers.
- Gather and store important documents in a secure but accessible place:
- Passports, birth certificates, Social Security cards, and IDs for all family members.
- Immigration-related documents: attorney contact info, letters from immigration, A-numbers.
- Financial records: bank statements, credit cards, and documents related to asset transfers.
Planning for Your Children
- Identify at least two trusted individuals who can serve as temporary caregivers for your minor children.
- Create a plan for school pickups and emergency childcare in case both parents are unavailable.
- Update emergency contact and release forms with your children’s schools, daycare centers, and afterschool programs.
- Document medical instructions for your children, including allergies, medications, and special needs.
- Consider the designation of a trustworthy guardian or caregiver.
Important Notes:
- These documents vary by state and may be short-term (a few months to a year) or permanent.
- Some states require specific templates, signatures from both parents and caregivers, witnesses, and notarization.
- In some states, additional forms may be needed for medical treatments or school enrollment.
- Always consult a family law attorney to ensure your documents meet your state’s legal requirements.
Choosing a Caregiver
Caregiver authorizations and Powers of Attorney (POAs) for the caring of minors may allow caregivers or guardians to handle medical emergencies, enroll children in school, access medical records, and facilitate travel arrangements.
Before designating a legal guardian, it is very important to consult with a family attorney about the benefits and risks of guardianship and what is the proper legal documentation according to your state law.
When selecting a caregiver, consider:
- Trustworthiness and stability of the caregiver. This individual should hold a permanent status in the country.
- Short-term or limited guardianship — may not require court involvement.
- Long-term guardianship — typically requires court approval and is irrevocable.
Every family should have a Family Preparedness Plan in case of an emergency. Immi.org helps immigrants in the U.S. understand their options and provides resources to create a plan if you are worried that you or a loved one might be detained or deported.
Disclaimer: This is not intended as legal advice. By sharing this information, UFCW aims to help members and their families access safe, reliable information, learn about their immigration options, and avoid scams. | Members may choose to self-advocate, but we strongly encourage seeking professional legal assistance from a qualified attorney. | For additional resources, please contact your Union Representative or visit www.ufcw.org/immihelp.”