Community

Community Resources

Resources


Dear ľֱ’s Aid community members,

We understand that navigating an ever-changing landscape can be challenging. That’s why we’re committed to sharing reliable information and essential resources to support you.  

While New York City and New York State have laws that protect our communities, it’s important to stay informed about policies and rights at the local and national levels. This page provides up-to-date guidance on immigration, knowing your rights, and accessing critical support.

Below are some trustworthy resources for New Yorkers from the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs, New York Immigration Coalition, New York Lawyers for Public Interest, and Lawyers Alliance for New York.

Know Your Rights

  •  
    • Includes downloadable booklets, contact information, and more resources. 
    • Frequently asked questions on your rights if an agent approaches you. 
    • Available in multiple languages including English, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Polish, Russian, and Spanish.
  •   
    • If ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents detain a friend or family member, there may be resources available to them. This booklet only gives general information and is not intended to be used as legal advice. Consult an attorney for legal advice. 
    • Available in multiple languages including English, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Polish, Russian, and Spanish.
  •   
    • New York City’s sanctuary laws prioritize public safety, due process, and trust over immigration enforcement.
    • Available in multiple languages including English, Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Polish, Russian, and Spanish.
  • Bill of Rights for Parents of English Language Learners.  
    • Do you Know Your Rights videos are provided in the following  languages: | | | | | | | |  

Legal Support

  •  
    • The Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs has multiple Legal Support Centers across the City that offers New Yorkers free, safe immigration legal help. These centers are housed in community sites, public health facilities, public schools, and libraries. Services are provided in your language and immigration status does not matter. However, this program is intended to serve individuals who are NYC residents & are income eligible (200% of the Federal Poverty Level).
    • The MOIA Immigration Legal Support Centers provide:
      • Free legal screenings to find out if you qualify for any immigration benefit
      • Free legal help from an experienced attorney or accredited representative for a range of cases including:
        • Citizenship
        • Green card applications and renewals
        • Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
        • Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
      • Referrals to City-funded and community-based resources and support services
    • To learn more, you can call the City-funded, free & safe MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline at 1-800-354-0365, or call 311 and say "immigration Legal", between 9:00AM to 6:00PM, Monday - Friday. Interpretation is available.
    • You can also visit this site in several languages:
  • Directory of Free to Low Cost Legal Service Providers
    •  Below you will find access to a national, statewide, and upstate NY directory of free to low cost legal service providers. Due to high demand, it is not guaranteed that there will be available appointments for screenings at either of the following providers.
      • NYS Directory of Legal Service Providers:
      • Legal Provider Map for Upstate NY:
      • National Directory of Immigration Legal Service Providers:

Immigrant Caregivers and Standby Guardianship

  • MOIA Recommendations: PLAN for the future if you are worried your child’s caregiver may be separated from your child because of immigration enforcement: 
    • Contact a free and trusted legal services provider for advice and information. 
    • Choose a standby guardian, also known as a “backup” caregiver, in case you are separated from your child. 
    • Choose an emergency contact and memorize their phone number. This should be someone that you trust and can include your lawyer. 
    • Update emergency contact information at your child’s school. 
  •  For free, safe immigration legal help, including help designating a standby guardian, you can call 1-800-354-0365 between 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday to Friday and say, "Immigration Legal." 
  • . 

Statewide Community Toolkit

    • A resource guide for immigrant New Yorkers November/December 2024 

For Nonprofits

    •  New York Lawyers for Public Interest and Lawyers Alliance for New York updated guidance outlining best practices in supporting immigrant clients.  

Our Commitment to Inclusion and Support 

At ľֱ, we are dedicated to fostering a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for all. We stand firmly against discrimination in any form and believe that any family – regardless of race, ethnicity, or nationality – deserves the opportunity to build a stable and fulfilling life.  

Staying Informed 

Policies and leadership decisions continue to evolve rapidly. We remain committed to providing up-to-date, reliable resources, informed by guidance from local and state authorities, trusted partner organizations, and internal policy and legal teams. The resources on this page have been carefully vetted to ensure they best support the families we serve.  

We understand that many families, staff, and young people feel uncertain in these times. Please know that we are here, standing with you, and working together to keep our communities safe and informed. 

With gratitude, 
The ľֱ’s Aid Team 

 

 

Events

In the coming weeks, a series of vital trainings and webinars will provide educators, advocates, and community members with the tools to support immigrant youth, navigate legal challenges, and prepare for encounters with immigration enforcement. From creating safe spaces for immigrant youth to understanding expedited removal and Know Your Rights trainings, these events offer essential insights and resources. Explore the opportunities below and register to learn more about how you can support children, youth, and families.

Wednesday, March 19 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

The New York Immigration Coalition will be hosting a virtual training for staff and volunteers of NY-based non-profit organizations to provide essential information on individuals' rights if ICE arrives at their home. They will cover how to prepare family members in the event of detention, specifically focusing on document collection and custody planning.

ACLU Know Your Rights Training

Twice a month; upcoming on March 3 at 4 p.m. or March 20 at 8 p.m.

Join one of the ACLU's Know Your Rights Trainings to learn about your rights and understand how you can protect communities facing escalating threats.

 

 

Previous Events

How Nonprofits, Faith Groups & Businesses Can Protect Immigrants

Thursday, Feb. 13 | 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

To help local organizations, businesses, and faith-based groups better protect immigrants, Deputy Speaker Ayala, Council Member Aviles, and NFP partners are hosting an informational session.

.

 


 

Staff Only

Take Action

Urge Congress to Fund After-School and Summer Programs in FY 2023!

Urge Congress to Pass an Economic Relief Package Now!

Urge New York State to invest in and grow community schools!<