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If you are a parent you can create an emergency plan to protect your children in case of a detention or deportation.
- Decide who will take care of your children if you are unable to. Memorize this person’s phone number.
- Talk with your children about who will care for them in case of an emergency and who is allowed to pick them up from school.
- Keep all documents for yourself and your children in a safe place, along with a list of important information about your children (allergies, medical conditions) and important contacts (school, doctors, an attorney).
- Inform your children’s school who is authorized to pick them up from school in your place.
- Get a passport for your children. In some consulates you can register the birth of any children born in the US in case you need to return with them to your birth country.
You can also fill out and sign a power of attorney. This is a document that you use to authorize someone trusted to make financial, legal and childcare related decisions in your absence. It is a temporary authorization and does not require you to give up your parental rights. An attorney or legal services organization can advise you on how to create one.
Many banks, credit unions, shipping stores (United States Post Office, UPS, FedEx etc.), local government offices, law firms, tax preparer or accountant offices, auto tag and license service centers, and public libraries may offer notary services.
This guide on creating a Family Preparedness Plan from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, has examples of relevant documents.
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