Family Preparedness Checklist for Undocumented Families and Families with TPS
This checklist is intended to help families prepare for emergencies involving detention, loss of immigration status, or family separation. It is general information and not legal advice.
Emergency Planning for Children
☐ Identify at least two trusted adults who can care for your children.
☐ Write down caregivers’ names, addresses, phone numbers, and relationship to the child.
☐ Teach children their full name, address, and emergency phone numbers.
☐ Prepare school, daycare, and medical information for each child.
☐ Keep emergency contacts in a safe location.
Massachusetts Caregiver Authorization Affidavit
☐ Complete a Massachusetts Caregiver Authorization Affidavit to allow another adult to make educational and medical decisions for your child.
☐ Sign the affidavit before a notary and two witnesses.
☐ Keep copies with the caregiver and important documents.
Important Documents to Gather
☐ Passports and identification documents.
☐ Birth certificates and marriage certificates.
☐ Immigration documents, TPS approvals, EAD cards, and I-94 records.
☐ Social Security cards and insurance cards.
☐ Tax returns and financial records.
☐ Medical and school records for children.
☐ Store copies at home, with a trusted person, and electronically if possible.
Financial Preparation
☐ Create a list of bank accounts and financial obligations.
☐ Document passwords and account information in a secure place.
☐ Consider a financial power of attorney if appropriate.
Know Your Rights
☐ Do not open the door to ICE unless they have a judicial warrant signed by a judge.
☐ You have the right to remain silent.
☐ Do not sign documents without speaking to an attorney.
☐ Ask to speak with a lawyer if detained.
Congressional and Senatorial Assistance
☐ Complete privacy release forms for your U.S. Representative and U.S. Senators.
☐ Keep copies of A-numbers, receipt numbers, and immigration documents available.
☐ Provide trusted family members with copies of the signed release forms.
If Someone Is Detained
☐ Gather the person’s full name, date of birth, and A-number.
☐ Contact an immigration attorney immediately.
☐ Contact your congressional office and senators.
☐ Notify trusted family members and community organizations.
TPS and Asylum
☐ If you fear persecution in your home country, speak with an immigration attorney about possible asylum eligibility.
☐ Understand that TPS does not automatically prevent someone from applying for asylum.
☐ Seek legal advice before filing any asylum application.
Checking Immigration and Asylum Cases
☐ Create and maintain a USCIS online account.
☐ Keep copies of all notices and receipt numbers.
☐ Keep your A-number in a secure place.
☐ If your case is in Immigration Court, maintain your case information and attorney contact information.
Emergency Packet
☐ Passports and IDs
☐ Birth certificates
☐ TPS and work authorization documents
☐ Medical information and medications
☐ School information
☐ Caregiver Authorization Affidavit
☐ Emergency contacts
☐ Congressional privacy release forms
☐ Attorney contact information
☐ Copies of all immigration filings and financial information
Important Resources
Immigration Attorneys (vetted): https://miracoalition.org/news/legal-services/
Immigration help line: https://miracoalition.org/news/immigration-helpline/
MACI program that connects eligible immigrants in Massachusetts with free legal representation and support for immigration court cases: https://miracoalition.org/massachusetts-massachusetts-access-to-counsel-initiative-maci/
Massachusetts Caregiver Authorization Affidavit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/instructions-for-the-massachusetts-caregiver-authorization-affidavit
Congressional/Senatorial USCIS Releases: Fill all 3 out
- https://www.warren.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/media/doc/USCIS%20Waiver%20Form.pdf
- https://www.markey.senate.gov/privacy-release-form-61818
- https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/privacy-releases/USCIS-OLA-Privacy-Release-12-11-2017.pdf
Checking statuses:
- USCIS Case Status: https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/
- myUSCIS Account: https://my.uscis.gov/
- EOIR Automated Case Information System: https://acis.eoir.justice.gov/
- EOIR Automated Telephone System: 1-800-898-7180
MIRA Resources: https://miracoalition.org/news/category/resources/
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