AHVED Family Unity Program
Legal Resource Hub
Free and low-cost legal resources for immigrant families in Florida. Know your rights, find a lawyer, and take steps to protect your family today.
AHVED Family Hotline
(239) 249-3423
Provide your Family ID and safe word
AHVED Programs Office
programs@ahved.org
For legal referrals and case support
Know Your Rights
These rights apply to everyone in the United States, regardless of immigration status.
You have the right to remain silent.
You do not have to answer questions from immigration officers, police, or anyone else about your status, where you were born, or how you entered the country. Politely say: "I am exercising my right to remain silent."
You have the right to an attorney.
If you are arrested, you have the right to speak with a lawyer before answering questions. If you cannot afford one, you can ask for a list of free legal services.
You do not have to open your door.
You do not have to open the door for immigration agents unless they have a judicial warrant signed by a judge. An administrative ICE warrant is not the same as a judicial warrant — you are not required to open the door for it.
You have due process rights.
You have the right to a hearing before an immigration judge before being deported. You also have the right to appeal. Do not sign any documents without reading them carefully or consulting an attorney.
Your U.S.-born children are U.S. citizens.
Children born in the United States are U.S. citizens regardless of their parents' status. This cannot be taken away.
If ICE Comes to Your Home
Follow these steps to protect yourself and your family.
- 1
Do not open the door. You can speak through the door. Ask them to show their warrant through a window or under the door.
- 2
Ask: "Do you have a judicial warrant signed by a judge?" An administrative warrant (Form I-200 or I-205) does not give them the right to enter your home.
- 3
If they do not have a judicial warrant, say clearly: "I do not consent to you entering my home."
- 4
If they force entry, do not resist physically. Remain calm. Say: "I do not consent to this search."
- 5
Do not sign any documents. If you are handed paperwork, say you want to speak with a lawyer first.
- 6
Memorize or keep AHVED's number: (239) 249-3423. Call as soon as you safely can.
- 7
If you are taken, tell agents you want to speak with a lawyer. Do not answer questions about where you were born or how you entered.
- 8
Contact your designated caregiver immediately if you are being detained so they can be with your children.
Print and Keep These Rights
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) publishes a free "Know Your Rights" card in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole. Visit aclu.org/immigrants-rights to download and print it.
Official Documents & Forms
USCIS Immigration Forms
Direct links to official government forms and multilingual rights cards. Most USCIS forms are in English — the legal binding language of U.S. immigration law. Where translated versions exist, links are provided.
Form I-821 — TPS Application
Official U.S. government form — English only (legally binding)Form I-765 — Work Authorization (EAD)
Official U.S. government form — English only (legally binding)Form I-821D — DACA Renewal
Official U.S. government form — English only (legally binding)Form I-589 — Asylum Application
Official U.S. government form — English only (legally binding)Form I-130 — Petition for Alien Relative
Official U.S. government form — English only (legally binding)Form I-485 — Adjustment of Status (Green Card)
Official U.S. government form — English only (legally binding)Know Your Rights — Printable Cards
ACLU — Know Your Rights: Immigrants
Available in multiple languagesPrintable bust card — what to do when approached by police or immigration.
English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, Portuguese
ILRC Red Card — If ICE Approaches
Available in multiple languagesLaminated card explaining your rights if confronted by immigration agents.
English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, French, Portuguese, Arabic
National Immigration Law Center — Know Your Rights
Available in multiple languagesGuides on ICE raids, checkpoints, and detention.
English, Spanish
Power of Attorney for Your Children
A Power of Attorney (POA) lets you legally authorize another person to care for your children if you cannot.
What it does
A childcare POA allows a trusted adult (relative, friend, or AHVED designee) to make medical, educational, and daily care decisions for your children if you are detained, deported, or otherwise unable to be present. Without it, institutions may refuse to act on your child's behalf.
How to get one in Florida
- 1Contact a legal aid organization (see below) — many offer free POA preparation for immigrant families.
- 2The document must be signed in front of a notary public. Many libraries, banks, and UPS stores offer free or low-cost notary services.
- 3Keep signed copies with the designated caregiver, your children's school, and AHVED.
AHVED stores your plan
Your AHVED Family Unity registration includes your designated caregiver information. Staff can act on your behalf to reach them in an emergency. A formal POA strengthens this further when dealing with schools, hospitals, or courts.
Free & Low-Cost Legal Aid in Florida
These organizations provide immigration legal help to people who cannot afford a private attorney.
Catholic Charities — Diocese of Venice
Fort Myers, Naples, SarasotaImmigration legal services, DACA renewals, TPS, consultations. Sliding-scale fees. Serves Lee County directly.
Florida Rural Legal Services
Fort Myers & South/Central FloridaFree civil legal aid including immigration for low-income individuals. Offices across South Florida.
Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC)
Statewide FloridaStatewide network connecting families to local legal resources, advocacy, and know-your-rights trainings.
Americans for Immigrant Justice (AI Justice)
South Florida (Miami-Dade, Broward)Free immigration legal services and representation. Specializes in complex cases including asylum and detention.
RAICES
National — online intakeLegal representation for detained immigrants and families. Online intake available.
CLINIC (Catholic Legal Immigration Network)
National — local affiliatesUse the search tool to find the nearest accredited immigration legal provider to you.
Immigration Advocates Network
National directorySearchable database of nonprofit legal providers by ZIP code.
Always verify current hours and services directly with each organization before visiting. AHVED does not guarantee availability.
AHVED Family Unity Program
TPS — Temporary Protected Status
Haitian nationals may qualify for TPS, which provides temporary protection from deportation and work authorization.
AHVED Immigration Navigation Guide
Step-by-step guidance on TPS, immigration options, and next steps for Haitian families →
Check current TPS designations
USCIS TPS →TPS application form (I-821)
USCIS Form I-821 →Work authorization (I-765)
USCIS Form I-765 →Haitian TPS news & updates
USCIS Haiti TPS →TPS registration periods open and close. If you have TPS, renew it before your current designation expires. Contact a legal aid provider to get help with your application at no cost.
DACA — Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals
DACA protects young immigrants who came to the U.S. as children. If your child or a family member qualifies, renewals are critical.
Check DACA status & requirements
USCIS DACA →DACA renewal form (I-821D)
USCIS Form I-821D →United We Dream (DACA advocacy)
United We Dream →National Immigration Law Center
NILC Resources →Renew DACA at least 150 days before expiration. Do not wait. Catholic Charities and other legal aid providers in Fort Myers can help with DACA renewals at no cost.
Documents to Keep Safe
Keep copies of these documents in a secure, accessible place — with a trusted person outside your home and, if possible, with AHVED.
Store originals in a fireproof/waterproof bag or box. Give a set of photocopies to your designated caregiver.
Additional Resources
USCIS — Official Immigration
Government forms, status checks, case tracking
ACLU Immigrants Rights
Know Your Rights cards in multiple languages
Detained/Arrested? — ILRC
Red Cards: what to do if stopped or detained
Vera Institute
Free legal help for detained immigrants
Florida Bar Lawyer Referral
Find a licensed immigration attorney in Florida
UNHCR — Asylum Seekers
Resources for asylum seekers and refugees
AHVED Family Unity Program
Register Your Emergency Plan
Having a plan on file with AHVED means we can act immediately if you are separated from your family. It takes 10 minutes and costs nothing.