Be Ready
Always carry your Lawful Permanent Residence Card (Green Card) or Employment Authorization Document (EAD). If your immigration case is currently pending, keep a copy of your I-797 receipt notice with you. It is also a good idea to leave a duplicate copy with a trusted family member or neighbor for emergencies.
Do not carry foreign identification cards or passports on your person.
Memorize your A# (if you have one) and share it with someone you trust.
Consult with an immigration attorney or accredited representative to see if you are eligible for immigration status.
If you are a permanent resident, consider applying for US citizenship.
Follow the laws and always be cautious of your surroundings.
Follow all traffic laws and keep valid motor vehicle insurance.
DO NOT drink and drive.
DO NOT use any altering substance and drive.
Make a Child Care Plan
Choose a trusted adult to make medical and legal decisions for your children if you are detained. Preferably a U.S. citizen or person with a valid immigration status.
Temporary Delegation of Parental Powers are valid for a maximum of six months, though it can be revoked earlier by the parent or guardian and requires notarization to be effective. After the six-month period, a new form must be completed to extend the delegation.
Identify your emergency contacts and memorize their phone numbers.
Provide or update your child’s school or daycare with an emergency contact to pick up your child.
Write down medications, allergies, or medical conditions of your children, and provide the list to your emergency contact.
How to Change your Address
If you currently have an open immigration case, the law requires you to keep your address updated. You must notify USCIS within 10 days of moving, or notify the court within 5 days of moving. Failing to update your address can cause serious problems or delays for your case.
How to change your address:
Submit your address changes through your USCIS online account or by filing an AR-11 form and mailing it to the address on the form
If you are representing yourself pro se in Immigration court you can change your address online
Important Documents
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Download, print, cut-out and carry this card with you. You can share these cards with family and friends. This card informs you of your constitutional rights.
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Ensure those you designate to care for your children in your absence have everything they need by completing, saving, and printing a copy of this information for each child in your household. Having a clear plan in place allows a trusted adult to step in if you're unable to, and should include emergency numbers, key contact information, and a file with important documents.
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Keep a physical file of these documents or a copy of these documents in a safe place. Tell your children, family members, and emergency contact where to find this file in an emergency.
Always carry your Lawful Permanent Residence card (Green Card) or Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
If your immigration case is currently pending, keep a copy of your I-797 receipt notice with you instead.
It is also a good idea to leave a duplicate copy with a trusted family member or neighbor for emergencies.
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Legal forms that grant temporary authority over your children and vehicles are useful in case something unexpected happens to you. These are intended as short-term solutions, so it's important to create a plan for more long-term arrangements.
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Similar to the green folders we hand out at the Asian Cultural & Community Center, El Centro de las Américas, and the Good Neighbor Center, we have compiled one document with all forms for your convenience.
