What Can We Do to Help Undocumented Immigrants

 

We can help protect undocumented immigrants by advocating for policy changes, supporting organizations that provide legal and social services, and taking direct action to support individuals and communities. Actions range from contacting elected officials and participating in protests to donating goods and educating others about immigrants' rights. 

Political and policy advocacy/ Contact your representatives 

Urge your Congressional representatives to support legislation that protects human rights, due process, and the right to asylum, as shown in this article from the NNIRR. 

Support sanctuary policies 

Advocate for local and state policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and provide services like municipal ID cards and driver's licenses to all residents, notes the American Immigration Council. 

Support broader legal reforms

Advocate for comprehensive immigration reform, such as creating an earned pathway to citizenship for undocumented individuals. 

Support immigrant-serving organizations

Donate or volunteer:  

Support organizations like RAICES, United We Dream, or the ACLU through donations or by volunteering your time. 

Provide direct aid: 

Donate essential items like clothing, toiletries, baby food, and diapers to shelters and support networks, suggests NNIRR. 

Help with legal aid: 

Volunteer with organizations that provide legal services to immigrants, such as helping with translations or sitting in on oath ceremonies, as mentioned by Global Citizen. 

Direct action and community support 

Attend or organize protests:  

Participate in rallies, vigils, or protests to raise public awareness and pressure officials, as recommended by the American Friends Service Committee. 

Educate your community: 

Organize community events or share information to raise awareness and funds for immigrant support. 

Know and share your rights: 

Educate yourself and others on the rights of immigrants, including the right to remain silent and the right to refuse a home entry without a warrant signed by a judge, according to the National Immigrant Justice Center. 

Document ICE interactions: 

If you witness an interaction with immigration authorities, document the event by noting license plate numbers, badge numbers, and the sequence of events. This can be helpful for the individuals involved. 

Sanctuary and resource-sharing 

Provide sanctuary

Offer physical or legal sanctuary in religious or community institutions, or help coordinate community-based sanctuary programs, says the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism. 

Share "Red Cards"

Educators can provide students and families with "Red Cards" from organizations like the Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC), which list their rights when encountering ICE.