How to Protect Yourself and Your Family (And Know Your Rights)

Understand Your Right to Education

• Thanks to the Supreme Court case Plyler v. Doe (1982), all children — regardless of immigration status — have the right to a free public K–12 education.
  
  
• Schools cannot deny enrollment based on immigration status or ask for immigration documents.
  
  
• You do not need to provide a Social Security Number to register your child in school.

Create a Family Safety Plan

• Make a clear plan for who your child should call or go to if you’re detained or unreachable.
  
  
• Talk through what will happen if ICE comes to your home or neighborhood.
  
  
• Consider completing a Power of Attorney form to name someone who can care for your children if needed. 

Keep Emergency Information Handy

• Have your important documents in one safe place — including medical records, legal documents, and proof you’ve lived in the U.S. for more than 2 years.
  
  
• Always carry a Know Your Rights card and teach your family how to use it.

Update Contact Information with Your School

• Make sure the school has the correct phone numbers and emergency contacts for your family.
  
  
• Use your preferred language when communicating with the school. Schools are required to provide interpretation and translation services.

Know What to Do if ICE Approaches

• You have the right to remain silent.
  
  
• Do not open your door unless ICE shows a warrant signed by a judge.
  
  
• You have the right to a lawyer — don’t sign anything before speaking to one. 
• Let ICE know if you have children, especially if you’re their primary caregiver.

Click here for more guidance on creating a safety plan.

Click here for more information on power of attorney. 

Click here for more information on finding a lawyer. 

Click here for a “list of emergency contacts” template. 

Click here for important information about your children. 

Click here for important information about your finances and properties. 

Click here for information on consulate offices. 

Click here to download and print red cards. 

Do you want to learn more about any of the topics listed above? Click here for a Resource Guide with links for more information.