Resources for Immigrants
As Mercy, we are called to reaffirm our solidarity and support for our immigrant sisters and brothers, step up our pastoral accompaniment, and publicly challenge cruel and inhumane plans that will cause enormous trauma and tear families apart.
These resources are for use by immigrants and those assisting immigrants, particularly those who are undocumented and from mixed status families.
Know Your Rights
All immigrants have rights, regardless of legal status. This Guide from the Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC) is available in 10 languages and covers the following topics:
- What to do when approached by law enforcement
- What to do if a loved one calls you from a detention center
- Documents to gather and have ready
- An Emergency Planning Guide
Find Legal Assistance
Applying for legal status requires special attention to each individual’s situation. These directories can assist with finding a trusted, local immigration lawyer:
- Catholic Legal Immigration Network’s Affiliate Directory includes 420 affiliates across 49 states and the District of Columbia.
- The National Immigration Legal Services Directory provides searches for free or low cost immigration legal services by state, zip code or detention facility.
Additional Resources
- Steps for asylum seekers to take ASAP. Includes information on work permit applications and other immigration status options for eligible individuals.
- Organizations that provide limited legal assistance in immigration court to asylum seekers without lawyers
- Information about seeking asylum at the Mexico-U.S. border
- Resources for minors and unaccompanied children applying for asylum
- Recommended private immigration lawyers
- Help for detained immigrants
- Family Preparedness Plan. A step-by-step plan for making arrangements in case a parent is detained or deported, including childcare, guardianship, obtaining passports for children and more.