Information and dignity
Support for Immigrant Survivors
Safety-planning considerations involving language, documents, immigration threats, and qualified legal support.
Immigration threats are a control tactic
An abusive person may hide documents, threaten deportation, interfere with legal filings, give false information, control transportation, or prevent language access. A survivor's immigration status does not make abuse acceptable, and confidential support may be available regardless of status.
Protect information and documents
Only gather or copy documents when safe. Store them somewhere the abusive person cannot access.
- Passports, identification, immigration papers, work permits, and birth certificates
- Marriage, custody, school, medical, housing, and financial records
- Case numbers and contact details for legitimate legal representatives
- A list of medications, allergies, and emergency contacts in the preferred language
Use qualified legal help
Immigration law is complex and changes. Avoid notarios or anyone who guarantees an outcome. A domestic violence program may connect you with a licensed immigration attorney or accredited nonprofit representative and a qualified interpreter. Ask about confidentiality before sharing identifying information.