Advocacy strategies and resources
Immigration
Immigration
Immigration status can shape the experiences of youth and families in the foster care system. Children and families who are undocumented may face fear of deportation, barriers to work, lack of identification, limited access to services, and exclusion from financial aid for college. They may also carry the trauma of migration and the stress of adjusting to a new culture. Immigration status can affect permanency planning and the options available for achieving stability. Knowing a young person’s rights and the support available to them help you advocate more effectively.
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Build trust by listening to and validating concerns about immigration status without making assumptions.
Offer language and cultural support when needed. Arrange for trained interpreters for meetings and court sessions rather than relying on a child to interpret for family members.
Avoid using a young person’s immigration status as a reason to deny services or placements.
Encourage the youth and family to stay connected with their immigration attorney and to attend immigration appointments when appropriate, such as check‑ins or filings.
Help youth organize and keep track of important documents like school records, medical records, and notices related to immigration.
Educate youth about their basic rights, including their right to remain silent if stopped by law enforcement or immigration officials and their right not to open the door if officials arrive without a warrant.
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All children have the right to attend public schools, regardless of immigration status. They do not need to show proof of citizenship or lawful presence to enroll.
Immigrant youth may be eligible for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) if they have been abused, abandoned, or neglected by one or both parents. SIJS can provide a pathway to lawful permanent residency for eligible children. Immigrant Legal Resource Center
Emergency medical care is available to everyone, including undocumented youth. Hospitals must screen and stabilize patients with emergency conditions. California DOJ
California law limits when local law enforcement can ask about immigration status. Law enforcement agencies cannot detain or investigate individuals solely for immigration enforcement in many situations. California DOJ
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Item description
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Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) – Red Cards and Rights – Immigrant youth resources and tools to assert rights in encounters with law enforcement or immigration officials. Immigrant Legal Resource Center
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) – Official federal source for immigration forms, procedures, and eligibility information. San Francisco CASA
National Immigration Law Center – Know Your Rights – National organization offering legal information and advocacy tools for immigrants. San Francisco CASA
California Department of Justice – Immigrant Rights & Protections – State guidance on immigration rights, legal protections, and how to find free or low‑cost legal help. California DOJ
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BayLegal – Bay Area Legal Aid – Free civil legal services for low‑income individuals, including immigration support.
Legal Services for Children (LSC) – Free legal help for minors and youth in dependency, guardianship, and immigration cases. LSC offers a youth “warmline” and weekly drop‑in clinics.
Immigration Center for Women and Children (ICWC) – Legal services on a sliding fee scale for immigrants, with a focus on women and children.
Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Legal and community support for immigrants, including in multiple Asian languages.
CARECEN – Central American Resource Center (San Francisco) – Legal support and advocacy for immigrant families.
Catholic Charities of San Francisco – Immigration legal services and support for families.
Dolores Street Community Services – Immigration help and community support.
San Francisco Immigrant Legal Defense Collaborative – Local network providing immigration defense and legal referrals
San Francisco Immigrant Legal and Education Network (SFILEN) – Legal assistance and educational support for immigrants.
Instituto Laboral de la Raza – Labor rights and legal advocacy for immigrants.
Educators for Fair Consideration (E4FC) – Support for immigrant students planning for college and career.
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Youth Legal Services Program (CDSS) – California program funding nonprofits to provide legal representation for undocumented and immigrant youth in immigration court and related proceedings. California Department of Social Services
Unaccompanied Refugee Minors Program (CDSS) – Support and placement services for eligible unaccompanied refugee minors in California. California Department of Social Services
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Always encourage youth to speak with a qualified immigration attorney before making immigration decisions.
Support youth in understanding their rights at school, in the community, and during encounters with police or immigration officials.
Help youth hold on to important documents and know where they are stored.
Avoid using sensitive questions that could make youth or families uncomfortable. Use respectful questions about language, country of origin, or time in the U.S. instead.
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