Emergency Planning for DACA/TPS Holders
Even with valid status, DACA and TPS holders face risks that require comprehensive emergency planning. This guide provides deportation preparedness strategies, rapid response resources, and family protection measures.
Why DACA/TPS Holders Need Emergency Plans
DACA Vulnerabilities
| Risk | Details |
|---|---|
| Program termination | Courts could end DACA |
| Renewal denial | Criminal issues, administrative errors |
| Gap in status | EAD expiration before renewal approved |
| Arrest | Any contact with law enforcement |
| Termination triggers | Firearms, certain crimes |
TPS Vulnerabilities
| Risk | Details |
|---|---|
| Designation ending | Country TPS termination |
| Court stay lifted | Immediate loss of status |
| Missed re-registration | Status withdrawn |
| Criminal bars | Felony or 2+ misdemeanors |
The Emergency Plan Framework
Five Components
| Component | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Documents | Everything needed for legal defense and family care |
| Contacts | Who to call, in what order |
| Custody | Legal arrangements for children |
| Finances | Access to money and assets |
| Go-Bag | Ready to grab and go |
Component 1: Document Organization
Immigration Documents
| Document | Location | Copies To |
|---|---|---|
| EAD (current) | Wallet | Attorney, family |
| All I-797 notices | Safe | Attorney, digital |
| A-Number documentation | Safe | Family |
| Passport (home country) | Safe | Scanned |
| Birth certificate | Safe | Scanned |
| Court notices | Safe | Attorney |
Family Documents
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Children's birth certificates | Citizenship proof |
| Children's passports | Travel, identification |
| Marriage certificate | Relationship proof |
| Custody orders | If applicable |
| Guardianship papers | If executed |
Legal Documents
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Power of Attorney | Financial management |
| Healthcare POA | Medical decisions |
| Caregiver authorization | Children's care |
| "If I Am Detained" letter | Instructions |
| Attorney retainer | Legal representation |
Digital Backup
| Action | Method |
|---|---|
| Scan all documents | PDF format |
| Encrypted cloud storage | Proton Drive, encrypted Google Drive |
| Share access | Trusted family member |
| Strip metadata | Remove location data |
Component 2: Emergency Contacts
Contact Hierarchy
| Priority | Person | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | [Name] | First responder, attorney contact |
| 2 | [Name] | Backup, same role |
| 3 | [Name] | Children pickup, logistics |
| 4 | [Name] | Extended support |
Required Information for Each Contact
| Information | Why Needed |
|---|---|
| Full name | Identification |
| Phone (cell) | Primary contact |
| Phone (work) | Backup |
| Address | Physical access |
| Immigration status | Can they interact with authorities? |
| Relationship | For legal documents |
Critical Contact Cards
Create wallet cards with:
- Attorney name and number
- Primary emergency contact
- Secondary contact
- Rapid response hotline
- ICE Detainee Locator website
Component 3: Custody Arrangements
If You Have Children
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Caregiver Authorization | Immediate school/medical authority |
| Standby Guardianship | Triggered by detention |
| "If I Am Detained" letter | Instructions for caregiver |
| School authorization | Pickup list, emergency contacts |
If DACA/TPS Could End
| Scenario | Preparation |
|---|---|
| Program terminated | Guardianship in place |
| Status lapses | Caregiver can step in immediately |
| Detained | Instructions accessible |
| Deported | Long-term custody arranged |
Communicate with Caregivers
| Topic | Ensure They Know |
|---|---|
| Document locations | Where to find everything |
| Children's routines | Schools, doctors, activities |
| Medical needs | Medications, allergies |
| Emotional support | How to discuss with children |
Component 4: Financial Access
Bank Accounts
| Action | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Add trusted joint holder | Immediate access |
| Execute Financial POA | Agent can manage |
| Document account info | Numbers, institutions |
| Online banking access | Share credentials securely |
Bills and Expenses
| Preparation | Action |
|---|---|
| Auto-pay | Set up for critical bills |
| Account list | Mortgage, utilities, insurance |
| Payment schedule | When bills are due |
| Emergency fund | Cash accessible to agent |
Assets
| Asset | Documentation |
|---|---|
| Real property | Deed, mortgage info, POA recorded |
| Vehicles | Title location, POA for sale |
| Business | Succession plan, commercial POA |
| Valuables | Inventory, location |
Component 5: Go-Bag
Essential Documents
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport(s) | U.S. and foreign |
| Birth certificates | Certified copies |
| EAD copy | Current authorization |
| A-Number | Written down |
| Attorney contact | Business card or written |
| Emergency contacts | Card with all numbers |
| Red Card | ILRC rights card |
Emergency Supplies
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Cash | $200-500 in small bills |
| Medications | 7-day supply minimum |
| Phone charger | Multiple types |
| Change of clothes | Basics |
| Toiletries | Travel size |
| Photos of family | For emotional support |
Children's Items
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Comfort item | Stuffed animal, blanket |
| Snacks | Non-perishable |
| Entertainment | Books, small toys |
| Their own emergency card | Contact numbers |
| Medication | If applicable |
Rapid Response Networks
What They Do
24/7 hotlines that dispatch legal observers and provide immediate counsel during ICE encounters.
National Resources
| Organization | Contact |
|---|---|
| United We Dream | UnitedWeDream.org |
| ILRC | Red Cards, Know Your Rights |
| National Immigration Law Center | Policy updates |
Regional Examples
| Region | Hotline |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 888-624-4752 |
| Check locally | "[City] rapid response immigration" |
When to Call
| Situation | Action |
|---|---|
| ICE at door | Call immediately |
| ICE at workplace | Call immediately |
| Neighbor reports activity | Alert network |
| Detained | Family calls for you |
Know Your Rights
DACA/TPS Holders Still Have Rights
| Right | Application |
|---|---|
| Remain silent | Don't answer questions about status |
| Attorney | Request lawyer before answering |
| Refuse search | Don't consent to searches |
| Document | Record if safe to do so |
Red Card Usage
The ILRC Red Card asserts:
- You choose to remain silent
- You don't consent to search
- You wish to speak with attorney
If Questioned About Status
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Provide EAD if asked for ID | Discuss where you were born |
| Exercise right to remain silent | Answer questions about travel |
| Request attorney | Sign documents without review |
| Stay calm | Argue or resist physically |
If Status Is Lost
DACA Lapses
| Situation | Immediate Action |
|---|---|
| EAD expired, renewal pending | Cannot work; contact attorney |
| Renewal denied | Appeal; explore alternatives |
| Program terminated | Consult attorney immediately |
TPS Lapses
| Situation | Immediate Action |
|---|---|
| Missed re-registration | File with "good cause" explanation |
| Designation ends | Wind-down period; explore alternatives |
| Status withdrawn | Consult attorney; consider departure |
Alternative Relief
| Option | Applicability |
|---|---|
| Family petition | USC/LPR spouse, parent, adult child |
| Asylum | Fear of persecution |
| U-visa | Crime victim |
| VAWA | Domestic violence victim |
| Cancellation | 10 years presence, exceptional hardship |
Communication Plan
With Family
| Establish | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary communication app | Signal, WhatsApp |
| Check-in schedule | Daily, specific time |
| Code words | Indicating emergency |
| Meeting location | If separated |
With Attorney
| Establish | Details |
|---|---|
| Retainer agreement | Before emergency |
| 24-hour contact | For emergencies |
| Document sharing | Secure method |
| Case file access | For backup counsel |
With Children's Schools
| Provide | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Emergency contact list | Who can pick up |
| Caregiver authorization | If you're unavailable |
| Special instructions | What to do in emergency |
Practice and Review
Regular Review Schedule
| Frequency | Action |
|---|---|
| Monthly | Verify contacts current |
| Quarterly | Update documents |
| Annually | Full plan review |
| After status change | Immediate update |
Family Discussion
| Age Group | What to Discuss |
|---|---|
| 3-6 years | "Call [Name] if you can't find us" |
| 7-12 years | Emergency contacts, basic plan |
| 13+ years | Full understanding, active role |
Practice Scenarios
| Scenario | What to Practice |
|---|---|
| ICE at door | Do not open; call attorney |
| Workplace raid | Exercise rights; call hotline |
| Traffic stop | Provide ID; remain silent |
| School emergency | Children know contacts |
Mental Health Considerations
Chronic Stress
Living with immigration uncertainty creates ongoing stress. Strategies:
| Strategy | Action |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Having a plan reduces anxiety |
| Community | Connect with others in similar situations |
| Professional help | Trauma-informed counselors |
| Self-care | Physical health, relationships |
Resources
| Organization | Services |
|---|---|
| TheDream.US | Mental health directories |
| UndocuHealth | Community support |
| Local community centers | Support groups |
Related Resources
Last updated: March 24, 2026