Detention / Deportation / Removal
Legal Information
Are You a U.S. Citizen?
This article is for individuals who are in the custody of DHS and who have been placed in removal, exclusion, deportation or other immigration proceedings. If you are in expedited removal, reinstatement of removal or administrative removal proceedings, this booklet will help you understand whether you have a claim to U.S. citizenship, but to understand the proceedings you are in, you should also read the materials called "What To Do If You Are In Expedited Removal Or Reinstatement Of Removal."
Beware of Dishonest Immigration Consultants
Information about the practices of scam artists preying upon immigrants seeking assistance in obtaining legal residence, work authorization, or citizenship has risen dramatically in recent years. Many unscrupulous consultants claim that they are attorneys or that they have close connections to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). Others use titles such as notary public or notario to deceive people into believing that they are lawyers.
Consumer Alert: Attorney General Racine Warns Residents of Immigration Scam
An alert by the D.C. Attorney General warning immigrant communities of a potential scam involving persons posing as federal Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and placing bogus Search/Removal Warrants on homes.
Custodial Power of Attorney - Interactive Interview
A Custodial Power of Attorney (CPOA) is a document that gives another person temporary power to make decisions for your children. It is advised that you create a Custodial Power of Attorney with your designated caretaker as a way to possibly avoid having your children go into foster care if you are picked up by ICE. A Custodial Power of Attorney is a private agreement between you and another person, and is NOT a court order. If the children's mother and the father both live in the home with the children, both parents should sign the CPOA.
Do You Qualify to Stay in the US?
This interview on immi.org helps you to understand your immigration options. It has questions about qualifying for a way to stay in the United States. It does not screen for all the ways to stay. It asks about your eligibility for: family-based immigration, humanitarian options (asylum, Temporary Protected Status, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status), U or T visas for victims of crime or trafficking, VAWA for abused family of citizens and green card holders, and DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)
Fact sheet on family separation for asylum seekers
In April 2018, the Trump Administration began a “Zero Tolerance” policy that led to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) separating asylum-seeking parents from their children. This fact sheet explains how the Trump Administration carried out family separation and the recent federal court ruling in Ms. L v. ICE.
FAQ: What if I'm Picked up by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in DC?
If you are an immigrant parent living in the District of Columbia, this guide was written for you. Its purpose is to give you an understanding of the immigration and child welfare systems, and to help you plan so you do not lose rights over your children if you are apprehended by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The best thing you can do to make sure your family stays together is to have information and be prepared!
How to Apply for Asylum and Withholding of Removal
This article can help you find out if you qualify to apply for asylum and/or withholding of removal (also called "withholding") so you can avoid being sent back to your country.
How to Get Legal Status Through Your Family Member
This article is for people who are in the custody of DHS who want to know if their family members legally in the U.S. can help them get legal status in the U.S.
Immigrant Women and Abuse
If you are an immigrant to the United States, and you are a victim of domestic violence or rape, here are some suggestions we hope will help you.
Steps to Take Now to Avoid Losing Custody of Your Children if You are Detained by ICE
If you do not have permanent lawful status in the United States, or if you have lawful status but have been charged with or convicted of an offense, you may be at risk of being detained by ICE. It is important that you make plans for the care of your children now. If you have not made any plans, it is more likely that your children will end up in the foster care system if you are picked up by ICE, or if you are arrested or detained for a criminal charge. You must be prepared to advocate for yourself and for your family as soon as you are detained by ICE or law enforcement, and this guide is an excellent place to start.
What you Need to Know about DACA
Since the termination of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) on September 5, 2017, there have been many questions. This short info sheet lays out some basic information. Added categories on 12/7/2017
Your Rights When You Are Approached by the Police
Information on your legal rights when you are approached by the police, especially if you are an immigrant worker or day laborer.
How to Apply for Asylum and Withholding of Removal
This article can help you find out if you qualify to apply for asylum and/or withholding of removal (also called "withholding") so you can avoid being sent back to your country.
How To Apply for A Three or Ten Year Cancellation of Removal
Information about cancellation of removal -- what it is, who qualifies and how to apply.
How to Apply for Voluntary Departure
This article is written for people who have been placed in the custody of DHS and who have been put into removal proceedings.
How to Get Legal Status Through Your Family Member
This article is for people who are in the custody of DHS who want to know if their family members legally in the U.S. can help them get legal status in the U.S.
What to Do if You Are in Expedited Removal or Reinstatement of Removal
This article is designed to help people who are in Expedited Removal or Reinstatement of Removal or Administrative Removal.
All About Bonds
This article is for individuals in the custody of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) who want to ask the Immigration Judge to lower their bonds or to let them leave the detention center without paying bonds before their immigration cases are finished.
Are You a U.S. Citizen?
This article is for individuals who are in the custody of DHS and who have been placed in removal, exclusion, deportation or other immigration proceedings. If you are in expedited removal, reinstatement of removal or administrative removal proceedings, this booklet will help you understand whether you have a claim to U.S. citizenship, but to understand the proceedings you are in, you should also read the materials called "What To Do If You Are In Expedited Removal Or Reinstatement Of Removal."
How to Apply for "Cancellation of Removal for Certain Legal Permanent Residents"
This booklet is for lawful permanent residents who are in the custody of DHS and who have been placed in immigration proceedings. This booklet mainly discusses how to apply for a form of relief from being removed from the United States that is called "Cancellation of Removal for Certain Legal Permanent Residents." To apply for this form of relief you must be in "removal" proceedings. Removal proceedings are what used to be called "deportation" or exclusion proceedings. If you were placed in immigration proceedings on or after April 1, 1997, you are probably in "removal" proceedings.
ICE Detainers: Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently asked questions about ICE detainer forms, including information on ICE's new toll-free hotline (855) 448-6903, where detained individuals can call if they believe they may be U.S. citizens or victims of a crime
Your Rights and Responsibilities As A Permanent Resident
Being a permanent resident is a "privilege" and not a "right." The U.S. government can take away your permanent resident status under certain conditions. You must maintain your permanent resident status if you want to live and work in the United States and become a U.S. citizen one day. In this section, you will learn what it means to be a permanent resident and how you can maintain your permanent resident status.
Your Rights When You Are Approached by the Police
Information on your legal rights when you are approached by the police, especially if you are an immigrant worker or day laborer.
Beware of Dishonest Immigration Consultants
Information about the practices of scam artists preying upon immigrants seeking assistance in obtaining legal residence, work authorization, or citizenship has risen dramatically in recent years. Many unscrupulous consultants claim that they are attorneys or that they have close connections to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). Others use titles such as notary public or notario to deceive people into believing that they are lawyers.
Immigrant Women and Abuse
If you are an immigrant to the United States, and you are a victim of domestic violence or rape, here are some suggestions we hope will help you.
Your Rights and Responsibilities As A Permanent Resident
Being a permanent resident is a "privilege" and not a "right." The U.S. government can take away your permanent resident status under certain conditions. You must maintain your permanent resident status if you want to live and work in the United States and become a U.S. citizen one day. In this section, you will learn what it means to be a permanent resident and how you can maintain your permanent resident status.
