Know Your Rights Resources for Citizens and Immigrants
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In response to the migration-related executive actions announced by the Trump administration, the Texas bishops released a statement pledging both cooperation with the federal government and solidarity with our migrant brothers and sisters.
“The bishops of Texas will continue to work with governmental officials and other people of good will to implement policies that recognize the dignity of every person, prioritize family unity, and address the root causes of forced migration, while respecting the right and responsibility of our country to secure its borders, regulate immigration in an orderly process, maintain the rule of law, and keep its communities safe and peaceful.” - Read the full statement.
From the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops:
- Download PDF: Know Your Rights
- Descargar PDF: Conozca sus derechos
- Download PDF: Bishops' letter in English
- Descargar PDF: Carta de los obispos en español
Know Your Rights - A Guide When Interacting with Law Enforcement
Resources from the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc.
Quick Guide When Interacting with Law Enforcement
Family Resources
The Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC, www.ilrc.org) has developed a Step-by-Step Family Preparedness Plan guide in English and Spanish (see links below). Please note the Caregiver’s Authorization Affidavit provided in the IRLC’s Family Preparedness Plan is based upon California law and would not be appropriate for families in Texas. We have created an Authorization Agreement for Voluntary Adult Caregiver which complies with Texas law for your use:
Step-by-Step Family Preparedness Plan (English)
Step-by-Step Family Preparedness Plan (Spanish)
Texas - Authorization Agreement for Voluntary Adult Caregiver (English)
Texas – Authorization Agreement for Voluntary Adult Caregiver (Spanish)
The Authorization Agreement must be notarized to be valid. Notary Publics can frequently be found at banks, real estate offices, car dealers (used and new), funeral homes, and a variety of other businesses.
Disclaimer: Notaries in Texas are not attorneys and should not be hired/ paid to handle their immigration matters.
Once fully executed, the original should be left with the person(s) designated to take possession of the children. Parents should retain a fully executed copy in their possession.
Legal Referrals
For referrals to legal services providers and immigrant rights organizers, the Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative (HILSC, www.houstonimmigration.org) operates a Hotline:
Houston Immigrant Resource Hotline
1-833-468-4664
Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. (except holidays)
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