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Immigration Protection

What is Immigration Protection

Immigration protection means the legal rights and safety rules that help immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers who might face detention, deportation, or being taken advantage of. People in these situations may feel scared of being separated from their families. They may also face challenges like language barriers, unfair treatment, or discrimination. Many have trouble getting healthcare, housing, or jobs. Some have experienced trauma from violence, persecution, or dangerous situations in the past.

Immigration protections are designed to help people stay safe and live with dignity. They can provide legal status, permission to work, or protection from being sent out of the country. These protections also help people access important services, like healthcare, housing, and legal support. By offering these safeguards, immigration protections aim to keep families together, reduce fear, and make it possible for people to rebuild their lives safely.

Core Questions

Are you witnessing ICE enforcement?​

Are you or someone you know being detained by immigration enforcement?​

Are you looking for legal advice related to your immigration status?​

Are you worried about being separated from your family because of your immigration status or issues with your immigration status?​

Are you having trouble accessing healthcare, housing, or work because of your immigration status?​

Have you experienced threats, harassment, or discrimination related to your immigration status?​

Are you or someone you know facing past or current trauma connected to persecution, violence, or unsafe situations in another country?​

Do you need help applying for immigration relief, such as asylum, a T visa, U visa, or VAWA protection?​

Do you need help understanding your rights if you are detained by immigration authorities?​

Are you looking for support to access safe services or community resources without risking your immigration status?​

Resources & Support

Help is available. You don’t have to face this alone.
County Resources

National Immigration Legal Services Directory

Free to Low Cost Immigration Legal Services

The Santa Clara County Division of Equity and Social Justice has a list of agencies that provide legal assistance:

Lawyer Referral Services

You may obtain a referral to a certified lawyer referral service by calling the State Bar at 1-866-442-2529 or via its website at: www.calbar.ca.gov. If you cannot afford a private attorney, you may consider contacting your local legal aid office. For a referral, visit www.lawhelpca.org and click on the Find Legal Assistance tab:

If you think you see ICE or federal immigration enforcement, please call your local Rapid Response Network. They will verify if it is federal immigration enforcement or not. Often it is local law enforcement. Please prevent extra anxiety and fear in the community by waiting for verification before sharing broadly and on social media.

You can choose to file a report with the CA Department of Justice if you experience or witness misconduct by federal agents.

Know Your Rights

Below are Red Cards from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center. These cards explain your rights in a simple way. You can print one and carry it with you. Click the link to see the Red Card in your language.

Know Your Rights Videos

Know Your Rights videos by ACLU. These are available in several different languages.

Your rights related to immigration protection include: