Navigating Immigrant Resources: A Comprehensive Guide for Marylanders
The Maryland Access to Justice Commission believes the civil justice system should be accessible, equitable, and fair for every Marylander. For immigrant communities, navigating legal and social systems can feel especially daunting. To help bridge the gap, we have compiled a list of essential resources to assist Maryland immigrants and their families in finding legal support, knowing their rights, and preparing for the future.
Finding Trusted Legal Services
Finding reliable legal advice is the first step in ensuring your rights are protected. The National Immigration Legal Services Directory offers a searchable database of organizations that provide legal aid based on specific needs. Additionally, the Executive Office for Immigration Review within the United States Department of Justice maintains a comprehensive list of pro bono legal service providers categorized by state.
Knowing Your Rights
Understanding your rights during interactions with law enforcement is critical for your safety. The Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) provides red cards in 19 languages that explain how to assert your rights during encounters with law enforcement. For those concerned about interactions with I.C.E., the American Civil Liberties Union outlines potential scenarios and advice on how to handle them, while Families United DC Metro offers a detailed guide on the dos and don’ts of these interactions. Furthermore, it is essential to distinguish between different types of legal documents; Oregon Law Help provides information on distinguishing between an I.C.E. warrant and a federal warrant, and the ILRC offers a summary of what you need to know about I.C.E. warrants and detainers. For students and educators, the National Education Association maintains a resource library covering safe zone policies and immigration enforcement at schools.
Preparing a Family Plan
Preparation is key for families facing the fear of deportation. Families United DC Metro helps individuals plan finances and child care for immigration emergencies. Families can also find a specialized toolkit from the Children Thrive Action Network or follow the step-by-step family preparedness plan provided by the ILRC. If someone is already facing detention, Freedom for Immigrants provides a National Immigration Detention Hotline and tools to locate detained individuals. To ensure the long-term safety of children, the Standby Guardianship Project offers a timeline and required documents for obtaining a standby guardianship.
Staying Informed and Finding Community SupportStaying informed about shifting policies is equally important. You can track new laws and legal challenges using the Mayer Brown Executive Order Tracker and the Just Security Litigation Tracker. For broader community support, Intercultural Counseling Connection lists organizations providing social and medical services, and CASA offers legal services and a raid tip hotline at 1-888-214-6016. Finally, the Asylee Outreach Project provides vital information on benefits, such as health insurance and financial assistance, for individuals with asylee status.