Power of Attorney
Allows a trusted person to handle certain financial, legal, or practical matters if someone becomes unavailable.
Care and readiness
Family preparedness toolkit
Preparing is not giving up — it is protecting the people you love while we fight. Use these topics as a starting point for conversations with your family and a qualified attorney.
This page is general educational information, not legal advice. Immigration situations differ, and the wrong paperwork can cause harm. Speak with a licensed immigration attorney or a Department of Justice accredited representative before signing anything.
Eight things families ask about
Start here, then get legal guidance
Legal Guardianship Planning
Helps parents plan who can care for their children if they are detained, removed, hospitalized, or unavailable.
Medical Power of Attorney for Minors
Allows a trusted adult to make medical decisions for a child when parents are unavailable, depending on state law.
Emergency Contact Plan
A simple document with important phone numbers, attorney contact, school contact, medical information, and family instructions.
Document Safety Folder
A secure folder with passports, birth certificates, immigration documents, school records, medical records, and attorney information.
Know Your Rights Card
A printable card explaining basic rights when interacting with immigration officers or law enforcement.
Childcare and School Pickup Authorization
Written permission for a trusted adult to pick up children from school or daycare in an emergency.
Financial Access Plan
Practical planning for rent, bills, bank access, and family support if a parent or worker cannot access accounts.
Finding trustworthy help
How to avoid immigration scams
Notarios and unlicensed consultants have harmed many families. Protect yourself with a few simple rules.
- Only take legal advice from a licensed attorney or a DOJ accredited representative.
- A notary public in the U.S. is not an immigration lawyer, even if the sign says notario.
- Never sign a blank form, and never let anyone keep your original documents.
- Always get a written contract and a receipt for every payment.
- Keep copies of everything filed on your behalf, including receipt notices.
- If a promise sounds guaranteed, be careful — nobody can guarantee an outcome.