Written by Between Friends’ Community and Professional Training Manager
Safety planning is an important process for all survivors of domestic violence (DV). Whether a person is planning to leave an abusive relationship, or they are planning to stay in the relationship but would like to explore ways to enhance their safety within their relationship, Between Friends can offer support and ideas around how to reduce the harm and danger they may face. A safety plan is simply a list of ideas or actions a survivor can take in various situations to minimize the danger posed by their partner. There are examples of safety plans on our website at this link. They can be a lifesaving tool!
Today we would like to explore some specific safety plans that relate to immigrant survivors and share some ideas that could help survivors who may fear deportation. In 2016 Between Friends created a safety planning tool to address these worries. That document can be accessed at this link for printing or further reading.
Here is a quick summary of the highlights:
- If your partner is a citizen and you are not, explore applying for VAWA immigration relief or a U-Visa as a path to citizenship. For help with DV-related immigration relief, contact Ascend Justice at 312-971-5932 or Apna Ghar at 773-883-4663.
- If you are a dual citizen or are undocumented, do not carry documents from your country of origin.
- If you are stopped by the police, tell them you wish to remain silent and remain silent.
- If apprehended, ask for an attorney and do not talk to anyone until your attorney is present, do not sign anything without your attorney present and never sign any documents you do not understand.
- If Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents come to your door, you do not have to open it unless they have a warrant signed by a judge (not another ICE agent) and the warrant must list your name and address.
- If ICE agents say they have a warrant, ask them to show it to you through a window or to slide it under the door rather than opening the door.
- If ICE comes to your door without a warrant and tries to force their way in, you have the right to call the police.
- Teach your children not to answer the door for anyone.
- Memorize the phone numbers of family and friends who are documented.
- Memorize the phone number of your consulate.
To view similar safety plans in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Punjabi, Haitian, or Portuguese visit the American Immigration Lawyers Association website at this link.
