ICE raids in NYC: What immigrant parents can do to help protect their kids

NEW YORK (PIX11) – As U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids begin in New York City, the Legal Aid Society has released new resources on what parents can do to prepare their families if they might be at risk of being detained. 

If a parent is not a U.S. citizen but their child is, there are steps one can take to plan for the care and custody of their child, per the Legal Aid Society. 

School Emergency Contact

If a child is enrolled in school, parents can update their child's emergency contact information on their school’s “Blue Card.”

Passport

If the child is a U.S. citizen, parents can request a U.S. passport. If the child is under 18 years old, both parents will have to give their consent. Alternatively, if the child is not a U.S. citizen, parents can ask their foreign consulate for instructions on getting their child's passport. 

Travel Permission

If parents are interested in authorizing solo travel abroad for their child, they can check airline policies for unaccompanied minors. Alternatively, if parents would prefer for someone to accompany their child, they can sign an authorization form in front of a notary public. Children should also travel with their original birth certificate and passport as well as with copies of the documents listed on the Travel Permission form.

Designation of Person in Parental Relationship

Parents can designate another person to make school and health care decisions for their child if necessary and in their absence. The form must be signed in front of a notary public.

Standby Guardianship Designation

Parents can name someone to be on standby as a guardian for their child in the event they are “administratively separated” from their family. It becomes effective when the “administrative separation” occurs and can be filed with the Family Court.

Parents can find more information on how to protect themselves and their families through the Legal Aid Society.