Washington LawHelp

Immigration and Family

Legal Information

In this section of Washington LawHelp you will find general legal information and resources about family and other immigration issues. View our Resources for Immigrants Guide or browse individual resources below.

• Children Safety Planning & Temporary Parental Consent Agreements

  8166EN - A temporary parental consent agreement gives temporary permission to a trusted caregiver to make decisions for the children like obtaining medical and dental care or enrolling a child in school. It may also grant permission to travel across international borders with the children. This form was created specifically for immigrant families. If you're looking for a general temporary custody agreement, see Non-Parent Custody: Frequently Asked Questions and Answers. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Durable Power of Attorney for Finances

  8164EN - This power of attorney form was created specifically for immigrants who are detained through enforcement of immigration law or otherwise incarcerated. If you're looking for a general power of attorney form, see Durable Power of Attorney Documents in the Health section of WashingtonLawHelp.org. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Family Preparedness Plan

  Every family should have a Family Preparedness Plan. While it is our hope that you never have to use your plan, it is a good practice to have one in place to help reduce the stress of the unexpected. This packet will help everyone create a Family Preparedness Plan, regardless of immigration status. However, because of the additional challenges immigrant and mixed status families face, we also have additional advice for immigrants. Read More

  By:

  Immigrant Legal Resource Center

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Immigrant Rights Under a Trump Administration

  It’s important for everyone to know their rights if approached by an immigration (ICE) agent as well as how families can best prepare for something happening. This resource provides practical tips for things immigrant families can do now to prepare as well as information on rights everyone has in the United States, regardless of immigration status. Read More

  By:

  Immigrant Legal Resource Center

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

  Chinese / 中文

• Immigrant Safety Plan for Youth and Children

  This information was gathered to help families who are facing potential detainment or deportation of parents with children (children with or without status). This packet identifies information you should collect and contains some of the forms you should have ready. Content Detail

  By:

  Legal Counsel for Youth & Children

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

  Somali / Soomaali

• Know your rights when you encounter immigration agents and other law enforcement

  If you find you have to deal with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other law enforcement officers at home, on the street, or anywhere else, remember that you have the rights described in this factsheet. The factsheet also provides suggestions for what you should do to assert your rights. Content Detail

  By:

  National Immigration Law Center

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

  Korean / 한국어

  Chinese / 中文

• Immigration Violated My Rights

  8102EN - Everyone in the United States has the right to be free from detentions and searches without legal cause. You may not be detained or searched just because of your race or national origin. If you have been mistreated, or you are a victim of discrimination by immigration officers, you have a right to make a complaint. Making a complaint can help stop any future abuses by Immigration officers. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Apple Health for Kids Program: How to Respond to DSHS Requests for Immigration and Citizenship Documents

  5310EN - If you have children who are applying for state-funded free or low cost health insurance through Washington State’s Apple Health for Kids program, the Health Care Authority (“HCA”) may ask you for documents about your child’s citizenship or immigration status. This publication explains what you should do. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Avoiding Scams Against Immigrants

  Whether you're renewing your Green Card, becoming a citizen, or trying to choose the right forms, immigration issues can be complicated - and it's important to do things right. Use the resources on this page to help you spot and avoid scams, and find the right kind of help. Read More

  By:

  Federal Trade Commission

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Avoiding Scams - Information for Recent Refugees and Immigrants

  Have you recently arrived in United States? Whether you’re looking for a job, going through the immigration process, or just figuring out how things work, it’s important to be able to spot scams. Use the resources on this page to help you spot, avoid and report scams – and find the right kind of help. Read More

  By:

  Federal Trade Commission

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Domestic Violence: Questions and Answers for Immigrant and Refugee Women

  3708EN - If you are being hurt by your husband, you may be eligible for legal status without his cooperation. You have the right to be free from violence in your home. This publication provides important information on what you can do to protect you and your family. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Immigrant Rights Project

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

  Vietnamese / Tiếng Việt

  Chinese / 中文

• Don't Vote Unless You Are a U.S. Citizen

  8122EN - Only citizens can vote in Federal, State and most local elections. Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holders) are not eligible to vote until they become naturalized U.S. citizens. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

• Interpreters for People with Limited English Proficiency

  8902EN - Read this publication if you live in Washington, English is not your first language and you have trouble speaking or understanding English easily. Help may be available. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

  Vietnamese / Tiếng Việt

  Chinese / 中文

• Know Your Rights When Encountering Law Enforcement

  We rely on the police to keep us safe and treat us all fairly, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin or religion. This website provides tips for interacting with police and understanding your rights. Read More

  By:

  ACLU

  Read this in:

  Arabic / العربية

  Spanish / Español

  Farsi / فارسی

  French / Français

  Hindi / हिन्दी

  Punjabi / ਪੰਜਾਬੀ

  American Sign Language

  Somali / Soomaali

  Urdu / اردو