Resources

Every family should have a family preparedness plan in case of an emergency. It is equally critical for immigrant families to think ahead and set more concrete plans for immigration-related emergencies that may arise.

This informational sheet explains your rights if approached by immigration officers in public. It outlines when you may walk away, how to refuse searches, your right to remain silent, and your right to speak with a lawyer. It also provides guidance on what not to say or carry during interactions.

Catholic Charities agencies across the country are warning about scammers falsely claiming to represent Catholic Charities and offering fake immigration legal services. If someone contacts you through social media, text, email, or messaging apps asking for personal information or payment through services like Zelle, it is likely a scam. Learn how to recognize these fraudulent schemes and protect yourself and your family.

A ProPublica investigation examines the growing number of immigration-related scams targeting individuals seeking legal assistance. The report highlights how fraudsters use fake attorneys, impersonate government officials, and exploit fear and confusion to steal money and personal information. Learn how to recognize these scams and protect yourself by seeking help from trusted, accredited legal service providers.

The American Bar Association's Commission on Immigration provides a helpful guide for avoiding immigration scams. This resource explains how to verify that an attorney or DOJ-accredited representative is legitimate, recognize common warning signs of fraud, and protect yourself before paying for immigration legal services.

​This California-specific form allows a designated adult caregiver to enroll a child in school and authorize certain medical care if a parent is unavailable. It does not transfer legal custody but provides temporary authority for school-related and, in some cases, broader medical decisions. This form is especially useful for families preparing for emergencies.

This printable wallet-sized card outlines constitutional rights when interacting with immigration officers. It allows individuals to assert their right to remain silent, refuse entry without a judicial warrant, decline searches, and request a lawyer. The card can be shown or slid under the door without speaking.

A recent Telemundo investigation highlights how scammers are impersonating Catholic Charities and trusted immigration professionals to steal money from individuals seeking legal immigration assistance. Learn how these scams work, recognize the warning signs, and protect yourself by working only with authorized legal service providers.

An NBC News investigation highlights how scammers are targeting immigrants by posing as attorneys, government officials, and trusted organizations, using fear of deportation to steal money and personal information. The report shares real stories of victims and offers important reminders about how to identify scams and find legitimate immigration legal assistance.

La Comisión de Inmigración de la American Bar Association ofrece esta guía en español para ayudarle a evitar fraudes relacionados con servicios de inmigración. Aprenda cómo verificar que un abogado o un representante acreditado por el Departamento de Justicia (DOJ) sea legítimo, reconocer las señales de advertencia de una estafa y proteger su información y su dinero antes de pagar por servicios legales de inmigración.

This comprehensive guide helps immigrant families prepare for potential immigration-related emergencies. It includes guidance on child care planning, understanding immigration options, knowing your rights, identifying trusted legal services, organizing emergency contacts, and assembling important documents in advance.

This card provides immediate instructions if immigration officers are at your door. It reminds individuals to remain silent, not open the door without a warrant signed by a judge, not sign anything, and to contact the Rapid Response Network hotline for assistance.

This video explains how scammers impersonate trusted organizations like Catholic Charities to target individuals seeking immigration legal services. Learn the warning signs of immigration fraud, how to protect your personal information, and where to find legitimate, accredited legal assistance.

The National Catholic Register reports on a nationwide scam in which criminals use the Catholic Charities name, logo, and fake immigration legal service offers to deceive individuals seeking immigration assistance. The article explains how these scams operate, shares stories from affected communities, and offers practical tips to help protect yourself and verify legitimate legal services.