Know-Your-Rights Resources
- Rochelle Du
- Sep 10
- 3 min read
It is imperative that we protect our communities and stay informed. We also know, staying informed and understanding one’s rights can be an arduous task. To aid parents, educators and community members in their efforts to stay informed and collect useful resources, we will continue to update and curate the list below of toolkits, know-your-rights cards, and other digital resources that teach how to navigate different situations with law enforcement, as well as how to support yourself and your community members best. Many of these resources are translated into multiple languages, including Chinese, Arabic, and Spanish.
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Appleseed Network's Deportation Preparation Manual for Immigrant Families
Appleseed Network created a Deportation Preparation Manual sorted by topic, tool, and chapter to find exactly what an individual needs- plan for child custody, protecting finances, set up a 'power of attorney,' and more. There is also a complete 2025 Deportation Preparation Manuel in one easy-to-access PDF so one can prepare, print, and share their plan offline whenever they need it.
The NYC Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs has created Know Your Rights booklets in multiple languages to share information and resources if ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents approach you, what to do if your friend and family member is detained, and the Sanctuary City Laws in New York City.
The New York Immigration Coalition has a plethora of resources for community members, partners, and allies on how to avoid immigration scams, create a plan for their families in the event of deportation, and ways to reduce the risk from traffic stops. There is also a know-your-rights facilitator guide to present to communities about.
Make the Road New York created a downloadable deportation defense manual for individuals who are being impacted by the escalation of immigration enforcement activity and for individuals who are interested in becoming a support person for those affected. There are also videos, flyers, and infographics on how to navigate ICE showing up in different places, what expedited removal is and how to be prepared for it, and what birthright citizenship entails.
All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution. The ILRC’s Red Cards help people assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations, such as when ICE agents go to a home.
Immigration Legal Resource Center’s Resource Toolkit goes into detail about different childcare options available in case of an absent parent, where to find trusted immigration services in your community, and how to prepare to assert your constitutional rights in the presence of an immigration officer. It also gives additional advice to undocumented and/or mixed status families.
iAmerica has compiled a list of scenarios of when ICE or the police show up in your spaces, from driving your car to showing up in your workplace, and what you can do to protect yourself. iAmerica also has a list of legal service providers if you need a lawyer.
Intercultural Development Research Association has compiled resources and tools for how educators can support students and their families, as well as build a safe and welcoming environment for the whole school community.
The City University of New York provides free consultation and application assistance for naturalization, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Temporary Protection Status (TPS), certificate of citizenship, and more.
immigrationLawHelp helps low-income immigrants find legal help. Based on each state, they compile legal services tailored to specific marginalized groups.
The Bronx Defenders assists clients and community members with both legal and non-legal situations. In addition to representing Bronx residents in Criminal, Family, Housing, and Immigration Court, we host events, trainings and town halls on the important legal issues facing the Bronx community.
Advocates for Children focuses on protecting education rights and eliminating barriers to success so all students can thrive.
Hotline: 866-427-6033
Legal Services NYC’s mission is to help low-income New Yorkers obtain the basic necessities of life, including housing, economic security, family, immigration stability, and more.
New York State Hotline for Asylum Seekers & Migrants
Hotline: 1-800-566-7636 (multilingual assistance)
