Migrants & Refugees Support & Resources 

The Diocese of San José stands in solidarity with immigrant families and is committed to ensuring that our parishes and schools remain safe and welcoming places for all. Regardless of immigration status, all people deserve dignity, respect, and support.

On this page, you will find information on your rights, resources for legal assistance, and guidance to help protect your family in times of uncertainty.

“For I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” – Matthew 25:35

Know Your Rights

All people in the United States—regardless of immigration status—have rights under the U.S. Constitution.

✅ Stay calm and do not run if approached by immigration officers.
✅ Do not open the door if officers come to your home without a judicial warrant. Ask them to slip the warrant under the door.
✅ You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status.
✅ Do not sign anything without speaking to a lawyer.
✅ Ask if you are free to leave. If ICE does not have a warrant, you can walk away.

Download and carry “Red Cards” (to assert your rights) → https://www.ilrc.org/red-cards-tarjetas-rojas

More information:

Emergency Planning for Families

It is important to prepare ahead of time in case of an immigration-related emergency.

📌 Create a Family Safety Plan

    • Choose a trusted emergency contact who can care for your children if needed.
    • Keep copies of important documents (passports, birth certificates, medical records) in a safe place.
    • Teach children what to do if parents do not come home, including who to call.

📥 Download a Family Emergency Plan Template → [Link to Template]

📞Rapid Response Network Hotline – Rapid response networks in California respond to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detentions and raids in our communities.

    • If you see ICE activity in your community, call your rapid response hotline.
    • Once you call, legal observers will arrive to document any suspicious activity from ICE.
    • If there is an arrest, an attorney will provide legal assistance to those affected.

Santa Clara County Hotline: 408-290-1144

Proof of Citizenship

If you are a U.S. citizen, ensure that you have proper documentation to prove your status. Many forms of identification (e.g., driver’s license or Real ID) do not prove citizenship.

✅Acceptable Proof of Citizenship:

    • U.S. Birth Certificate – Issued by the state government.
    • U.S. Passport – Valid or expired.
    • Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship – Issued by USCIS.

📖More information on proving U.S. citizenship → https://www.usa.gov/prove-us-citizenship

ConsulApp Contigo

The Mexican government provides an app to assist Mexican nationals with legal resources, emergency contacts, schedule appointments, and access important information.

📲Download ConsulApp Contigo:

 

What to Do If a Family Member Is Detained

If a loved one is detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), take these steps immediately:

1. Stay Calm & Seek Legal Help

    • Contact an immigration attorney as soon as possible.
    • If you need legal assistance, refer to the Legal & Community Support section below.

2. Do Not Sign Any Documents

    • Your family member should not sign anything without first speaking to a lawyer.
    • Signing documents could result in voluntary deportation before they can fight their case.

3. Locate Your Family Member

    • Use the ICE Online Detainee Locator System to find where they are being held.
    • You will need their Alien Registration Number (A-Number) or full name, date of birth, and country of origin.

📥 Find a detained family member → ICE Detainee Locator

Protecting Your Child’s School Information

🚫 Schools do not share student information with immigration officials unless legally required.
💡 Parents should update emergency contacts at their child’s school.
👩‍👧 Families can authorize a caregiver or guardian through a notarized letter in case of detention.

📖 More Information on Student Privacy & Immigration → California Attorney General’s Guide

Legal & Community Support

If you or a loved one need help, there are trusted organizations that provide free or low-cost legal assistance.

📌 Catholic Charities Immigration Legal Services – https://www.ccscc.org/immigration-legal-services?locale=en
📌 Rapid Response Network – Emergency legal aid in Santa Clara County – 408-290-1144
📌 Catholic Legal Immigration Network: http://cliniclegal.org/directory
📌 Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) – Know Your Rights guides – www.ilrc.org
📌 Santa Clara County Immigration Assistance – https://immigrantguide.ca.gov/en/LegalHelpAndCitizenship
📌 Bay Area Legal Aid (San Jose Office) – https://baylegal.org/
📌 ConsulApp Contigo – Emergency legal support for Mexican nationals – Apple → Download Here | Android → Download Here

Faith & Advocacy

The Catholic Church remains deeply committed to supporting immigrant families. We encourage our community to:

✔ Pray for migrant families and those facing deportation.
✔ Support immigrant-led organizations and advocacy efforts.
✔ Contact elected officials to advocate for humane immigration policies.

🕊️ USCCB Justice for Immigrants Campaign → justiceforimmigrants.org

“Am I not here, I who am your mother?”

California Bishops Statement on Immigration

We invite our communities to follow the example of the Good Samaritan (cf. Lk. 10:34) and show compassion for our neighbors, especially the most vulnerable among us. Our parishes have the tradition of being havens of hope and solace for the lonely and the lost, embodying the peace that Christ gives. May Our Lady of Guadalupe, who reminded Juan Diego that he bore the image and likeness of God, remind all of us today and in the coming days that we are all beloved children of God, bearing his likeness, no matter our ethnicity or country of origin. May our care for each other speak to the dignity of every human being.

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