Important Notice
This guide is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Every family's situation is different. Consult a licensed immigration attorney before making any decisions.
Contents
Before You Panic
p. 3
Family Emergency Checklist
p. 4
Children Born in Different Countries
p. 5
Protect Your Financial Future
p. 6
Protect Your Children
p. 7
Emergency Contacts & Consulates
p. 8
Free Legal Help in Florida
p. 9
What to Do If Detained by ICE
p. 10
Know Your Rights
p. 11
ahved.org
(239) 245-9010
If your TPS may end, remember these key facts:
Losing TPS does not automatically mean you must leave the U.S. immediately.
You may qualify for another immigration benefit.
Your children's legal rights depend on where they were born.
You still have rights under U.S. law regardless of your immigration status.
Do not make decisions based on rumors or social media.
Seek advice only from qualified, licensed legal professionals.
First Things To Do
Gather all important documents.
Speak with an immigration attorney.
Know your legal options.
Prepare an emergency family plan.
Protect your children.
Protect your finances.
Could You Qualify for Another Status?
Pro Tip
Place originals in a waterproof folder or fireproof safe. Keep digital copies in a secure cloud account.Personal Identification
Haitian Passport
U.S. Visa (if applicable)
Employment Authorization Card
TPS Approval Notices
Driver License or State ID
Social Security Card
Birth Certificate
Marriage Certificate
Immigration Documents
Passport
I-94 Arrival Record
Employment Authorization Documents
TPS Approval Notices
USCIS Notices
Immigration Court Documents
Attorney Contact Information
Medical Information
List of Current Medications
Primary Doctor Name & Phone
Allergies
Chronic Medical Conditions
Copies of Recent Medical Records
Children's Documents
Birth Certificate
Passport
Social Security Card (if applicable)
School Records & Report Cards
Immunization Records
Medical Records
Health Insurance Card
Emergency Contact Information
Financial Records
Bank Account Information
Credit Card Information
Mortgage Documents
Vehicle Loan Documents
Retirement Accounts (401k, IRA, Pension)
Tax Returns (Last 5 Years)
Business Documents (if applicable)
Property Records
Home Deed or Lease Agreement
Vehicle Title
Auto Insurance Policy
Homeowners or Renters Insurance
Life Insurance Policy
Each child's citizenship is determined by the laws of the country where they were born. Know each child's status.
United States
Passport + Birth Certificate + SSN
Generally a U.S. citizen at birth. Obtain a U.S. passport immediately.
Haiti
Haitian Passport + Birth Certificate
Verify Haitian passport is current. Contact Consulate of Haiti for renewals.
Brazil
Brazilian Passport + Birth Certificate
Contact the Consulate General of Brazil if documents are missing.
Chile
Chilean Passport (if eligible)
Confirm citizenship status with the Chilean Consulate.
Mexico
Mexican Passport + Birth Certificate
Obtain or renew a Mexican passport. Contact the Consulate of Mexico.
Your immigration status may change — your financial responsibilities do not.
I know where all my financial documents are
My bank accounts have updated contact info and online access
My mortgage or rent has been addressed
My vehicle has a plan (sell, store, or transfer)
My insurance policies have been reviewed
My retirement accounts have been reviewed
My taxes are organized (last 5 years of returns)
I have emergency savings accessible
Important:
Do not abandon your home, vehicle, or business without a plan. Speak with your lender, insurer, CPA, or a financial advisor first.
Choose a Trusted Caregiver
At least 18 years old, responsible, and nearby. This person will care for your children if you cannot.
Speak With a Family Law Attorney
Set up: Temporary Guardianship, Medical Authorization, School Authorization.
Prepare a Child Emergency Folder
Include: birth certificate, passport, health insurance card, immunization records, school info, emergency contacts, guardianship documents.
Inform Your Child's School and Doctors
Give the caregiver's name to your child's school and medical providers. Provide written authorizations.
Prepare Your Child
They should know: full name, address, parents' names, caregiver's name and phone number.
If a Parent Is Detained
Caregiver: stay calm, call an attorney immediately, notify family, continue the child's normal routine, keep all documents together.
"The greatest gift you can give your children is a plan."
Consulate General of Haiti — Miami
259 SW 13th Street, Miami, FL 33130
(305) 859-2003
cg.miami@diplomatie.ht
Consulate General of Brazil — Miami
3150 SW 38th Avenue, Suite 100, Miami, FL 33146
(305) 285-6200
Consulate General of Chile — Miami
800 Brickell Avenue, Suite 1200, Miami, FL 33131
(305) 373-8623
miami@consulado.gob.cl
Consulate General of Mexico — Miami
2555 Ponce de Leon Blvd, 4th Floor, Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 446-5511
AHVED Community Support Center
Immigration Navigation · Case Management · Community Resources
ahved.org
Fort Myers
(239) 245-9010
Port St. Lucie
(772) 278-6151
Lake Worth
(239) 245-9010
Americans for Immigrant Justice
Miami
aijustice.org
Catholic Legal Services, Archdiocese of Miami
Miami · Broward · Palm Beach
cclsmiami.org
Legal Services of Greater Miami
South Florida
legalservicesmiami.org
Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC)
Statewide
floridaimmigrant.org
Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County
Palm Beach County
561-655-8944
legalaidpbc.org
Florida Rural Legal Services
Rural Florida
1-800-476-9160
frls.org
Immigration Advocates Network
National directory
immigrationadvocates.org
USCIS
Federal
1-800-375-5283
uscis.gov
United Way 211
Statewide
211
211.org
Catholic Charities of Central Florida
Orlando area
cflcc.org
Gulfcoast Legal Services
Tampa Bay area
gulfcoastlegal.org
Stay calm. Do not rely on rumors. Gather accurate information.
Find where they are held — use the ICE Online Detainee Locator: locator.ice.gov
Contact an immigration attorney immediately — do not wait.
Notify the consulate of the person's country of citizenship.
Gather important documents: passport, birth certificate, EAD, TPS notices, attorney info.
Protect any children — contact the emergency caregiver immediately.
Take care of finances — notify a trusted family member, review mortgage/rent and bills.
If appropriate, contact your U.S. Representative or Senator for assistance.
⚠ Warning: Immigration Fraud
Never sign blank forms. Never pay cash without a receipt. No one can guarantee an immigration outcome. Report fraud to your state attorney general.
If ICE Comes to Your Home
You do not have to open the door unless they have a signed judicial warrant.
Ask to see the warrant through the window or under the door before opening.
You have the right to remain silent and to speak with an attorney.
Do not sign any documents without speaking with an attorney first.
If You Are Stopped in Public
Stay calm. Do not run.
Ask if you are free to leave. If yes, calmly walk away.
If detained, clearly state: "I choose to remain silent."
Do not lie about your immigration status — you do not have to answer questions.
Memorize or carry the phone number of your immigration attorney.
