# Undocumented and Deportable: How to Prepare

- Link: https://www.lumlawgroup.com/illegal-and-deportable-how-to-prepare/
- Published: 2019-07-19T10:10:04-07:00
- Author: Albert J Lum

Amid recent news on an increase in Immigration & Citizenship Enforcement (ICE) raids,
many may worry about detainment. While [California is immigrant-friendly](https://lumlawgroup.com/Staging/why-california-is-called-immigrant-friendly/),
it doesn’t mean [law enforcement won’t turn you over to ICE](https://www.mercurynews.com/2019/07/17/daly-city-probing-undocumented-immigrants-transfer-to-ice/).
It also does not prevent federal agents from taking you into custody. If you’re 
undocumented and worry you might be detained or deported, then this article is for
you.

We’ve already written about [how employer’s can guard against on-site job raids](https://lumlawgroup.com/Staging/employers-are-you-prepared-for-an-ice-raid/).
We’ve also referenced [many resources for undocumented immigrants](https://www.nlpa.ws/assets/docs/resource%20sheet%20for%20immigrants%20.pdf)
to learn about their rights.  You can [always call us](https://lumlawgroup.com/Staging/contact-us/)
if you you have questions about your options or current immigration case. And we’ve
discussed [deportation](https://lumlawgroup.com/Staging/deportation-is-not-the-end-when-there-is-hope/)
and even [waivers for inadmissibility](https://lumlawgroup.com/Staging/inadmissibility-waiver/).
Now it’s time to talk go over precautions you can take to protect your family if
you are at risk of deportation.

### 1. Memorize a phone number that’s not your own

We can all (hopefully) remember our own phone number, but do you remember the number
of your emergency contact? How about your immigration attorney?

…Our number is **626-795-8886**, by the way.

Be sure to remember at least one phone number of a reliable person whom you can 
call if you’re detained.  This phone number should belong to someone who is available
or who at least has a voicemail set up with an inbox that is not full.

### 2. Assign your kids a guardian

If you have children, and this is especially true if they’re U.S. citizens or lawful
residents, they will need a guardian when you’re detained.  Someone should know 
to pick up your kids from school, to take them home, or to stay in your home to 
care for them.

Someone should also be assigned to be legally responsible for them. Relatives can
be informal guardians, but anyone can be given Informal Guardianship Authorization.
This form would allow the guardian to enroll your kids in school, take them to the
doctor, sign up for Medi-Cal, and other necessary items. Ask us about the form, 
or ask your school and medical professional what forms they offer.  Prepare the 
necessary paperwork and sign multiple copies so that everyone has one.

### 3. Give someone trusted access to your info

Does your spouse, mother, child, or other emergency contact have access to your 
home? Do they have a key to your house? Your car? Do they know where their legal
documents are? Do they know who your attorney is?

Be sure to organize all your immigration documents, forms, and other supporting 
documents in an accessible place. If you have criminal records, legal documents 
from your home country, tax records, or any other important documents, place them
in the same space.  Include any other “positive” documents about your American life,
your family and children that may help your immigration case.  Ensure your emergency
contact knows where your legal documents are stored.

### 4. Prepare your loved ones

If you have an alien registration number (A#), be sure to share that with your friends
and loved ones. If you are detained and they need to find you, they need certain
information about you.  Specifically, your full legal name (or names, if you have
multiple), date of birth, and alien registration number. Share the [Online Detainee Locator link](https://locator.ice.gov/odls)
with your loved ones.

Preparedness is important as it reduces stress for both you and your loved ones 
when you’re detained.

### 5. Know your rights

As an undocumented immigrant, you still have rights.

You have the right to silence. You have the right to tell the officer you do not
wish to speak.

You have the right to speak to an attorney.

You have the right to privacy of your home and vehicle. You have the right to exit
your home and meet officers outside (rather than let them in). You have the right
to inspect a warrant to verify if an immigration signed it.

Don’t be afraid to ask for your rights!