As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to implement mass deportations through an alarming declaration of a national emergency, vulnerable immigrant families across the country face the grim reality of upheaval, separation, and uncertainty. Trump’s plans, confirmed through his public endorsement of strategies involving military assistance and expanded detention facilities, represent an unprecedented threat to immigrant communities.
In this critical moment, Appleseed reaffirms its commitment to empowering families through practical resources. Our comprehensive manual, Protecting Assets and Child Custody in the Face of Deportation, provides essential guidance for immigrants to prepare for the challenges ahead, safeguarding their families and assets in the face of this looming crisis. Available in both English and Spanish, this manual equips families with actionable steps to mitigate the devastating effects of detention and deportation.
Immigration policies should reflect fairness and humanity, yet the proposed measures threaten to erode these principles. Families will face impossible choices: how to ensure children remain safe, stable, and cared for, or how to protect hard-earned assets when forced to leave. For over a decade, Appleseed’s work has centered on ensuring these families have the tools to navigate such life-altering disruptions.
The Protecting Assets and Child Custody manual addresses issues like:
- Establishing child custody arrangements to prevent children from entering foster care.
- Managing financial assets, including bank accounts, properties, and business interests.
- Navigating public benefits and educational resources for children left behind.
- Understanding psychological impacts on children and strategies to foster resilience.
The stakes are high. Under Trump’s proposed policies, the Department of Homeland Security would oversee “vast holding facilities,” with families awaiting deportation often torn apart without warning. In many cases, immigrant parents will face barriers to asserting custody or even ensuring their children’s wellbeing. Advance planning, as detailed in our manual, is a crucial lifeline.
We urge advocates, community leaders, and organizations to disseminate this resource widely. The manual provides not only legal and logistical guidance but also a reminder: despite the uncertainty, families have rights, and preparation can mean the difference between survival and devastation.
Download the Manual Now:
Now more than ever, we stand in solidarity with immigrant families. Together, we can ensure that no family faces these challenges alone. Let us continue to advocate for just and humane immigration policies, grounded in compassion and respect for the dignity of all people.
