Immigration: your rights and honest help

This page is general information, not legal advice. Only a lawyer or a Department of Justice accredited representative may give you immigration legal advice.

Who can help with my immigration case?

Nonprofits near East Palo Alto do, for free or a low fee. They help with immigration papers and court cases. Outside the Bay Area, the state map lists state funded groups across California. See Free or low cost immigration legal help, or, if you want to hire someone, How to find a lawyer you can trust. For DACA renewals, first time requests and recent changes, go to the DACA hub.

How do I avoid a scam?

Check before you pay. A notario is not a lawyer in the U.S. and may not give you immigration advice. Never pay for immigration help with a gift card, a money transfer or a payment app. Signed a contract with an immigration consultant? You can cancel it within 72 hours. See Warning signs of an immigration scam.

What if immigration agents come?

You have the right to stay silent, and you may decide not to open your door. Generally, agents need a warrant signed by a judge, or your permission, to come into a home. ICE wrote a 2025 memo claiming it may enter some homes with its own form to arrest people with final deportation orders. On May 8, 2026, DHS said that practice was paused, but the memo was not cancelled, and we found no later update on October 21, 2026. Keep a free red card by your door, save your county's rapid response number, and read the full guide, If immigration agents come.

How can I protect my children?

Make a plan this week. Choose one adult your child knows and trusts, and talk with them. In California, a Caregiver's Authorization Affidavit lets that adult enroll your child in school and consent to medical care related to school. It is not filed with a court and does not need a notary. See Make a family preparedness plan.

What if someone has hurt me?

If you are in danger right now, call 911. You deserve to be safe, and help is there for you. The California Victim Compensation Board can help pay costs after a crime, and U.S. citizenship is not required. Some survivors may also qualify for immigration protection, such as a U visa or T visa. See Where survivors of abuse can get free help.

Can I get a driver's license or ID without papers?

Yes, you can get an AB 60 driver's license today. It costs $46 and works as a photo ID, but it cannot be used to board a flight inside the U.S. State law says the DMV must start giving ID cards to people who cannot prove legal status by July 1, 2027 at the latest.

What else is on this site?

• Collecting proof of your time here: Papers that show how long you have lived in the United States
• Helping neighbors with forms as a church or group: Can our church or community group help neighbors fill out immigration forms?
• Citizenship with a disability: Can I skip the English or civics test because of a disability?
• A drug or theft charge: What Prop 36 means for immigrants
• Getting help for drug or alcohol use: Is it safe to get help if I am an immigrant?
• Thinking about leaving: Your feelings and how to talk with your family

You are not alone in this. Take one step today, and we will be here for the next one.