Guardianship & Emergency Planning for Immigrant Families
Be Prepared and Stay Protected — February 19, 2025
TRP Immigrant Justice’s latest Weekly Immigration Update focused on guardianship and emergency planning for immigrant families.
Amidst the uncertainty that immigrant parents are facing today with increased detention and deportations, many are wondering how they can protect their children in an emergency. TRP Lead Trainer Laura Mendoza was joined by TRP Attorney Emma Melton to provide essential information to help families prepare for unexpected situations, ensuring the safety and well-being of their loved ones.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding Guardianship
It’s crucial for parents to legally designate a trusted adult who can care for their children if they are unable to do so. This legal arrangement ensures that children are placed under the care of someone they know and trust, rather than leaving such decisions to the state.
There are different forms of guardianship and, depending on the state, you have different options. In Illinois, one of the easiest ways to designate a guardian for your child is through short-term guardianship, which lasts up to one year. Watch the video or click the link below to learn more about short-term guardianship.
Creating an Emergency Plan
The best way to stay protected is to get prepared by creating an emergency plan that includes:
Organizing Important Documents: Keeping copies of identification, medical records, and legal papers in a safe and accessible place.
Emergency Contacts: Maintaining a list of reliable contacts, including potential guardians, who can assist in times of crisis.
Financial Preparedness: Setting up financial arrangements, such as a power of attorney, to ensure bills and other obligations are managed seamlessly.
For more on how to create an emergency family plan, you can visit our Know Your Rights page or click the image below to see a detailed guide.
Emergency Family Plan – English
Emergency Family Plan - Spanish
Accessing Trustworthy Legal Assistance
It’s imperative to consult with qualified legal professionals when setting up guardianship and other legal documents. This ensures that all arrangements comply with state laws and effectively protect the family’s interests.
A Few Things to Remember:
U.S. citizen children CANNOT be deported with their non-citizen parents.
Anyone born in the United States, regardless of their parents’ immigration status, is a U.S. citizen and cannot be deported, including children.
Make sure your child knows their potential guardian’s phone number in case of an emergency.
It’s important to ensure that you have all the proper documents for you and your family members, and that all the information is accurate and up-to-date.
For those who missed the livestream, be sure to watch the video, so you don’t miss out on any critical information, and be sure to tune in next week on Friday, February 21 at 4pm CST via Facebook or Instagram to hear from Consul General of Mexico in Chicago Reyna Torres Mendivil about the resources they have available.
Proactive planning is a vital step in safeguarding your children’s and your family’s future. Be prepared and stay protected by participating in these weekly updates and utilizing / sharing the resources provided. As always, we are here to help!
