Explainer for Parents and Their Helpers Seeking Family Reunification

Esta guía también está disponible en español.

This explainer was developed by a collaborative of partners, including Georgetown University, in response to the alarming number of child-family separations happening as a result of U.S. immigration enforcement, where parents have been detained and/or deported, leaving children in uncertain care arrangements in local communities or in government custody. This brief, practical tool sets out to explain parents’ rights, the steps parents can take to work toward the best solution for their child and family in the face of separation, and resources that may provide some support. 

The Family Separations Working Group created this new Explainer for Parents and Their Helpers Seeking Family Reunification to help families better understand those rights, learn about reunification options, and identify resources that may support them in finding the best solution for their child and family.

This guide explains:

• parental rights during detention or deportation
• how to stay involved in your child’s life and legal case
• caregiving and guardianship options
• steps toward reunification 
• legal and community resources available to families

This resource is designed for impacted families and also for trusted supporters, including legal advocates, social service providers, educators, faith communities, and community organizations working alongside immigrant families.

Please help us share this resource widely so families navigating separation know they are not alone.

English: Explainer for Family Reunification
Spanish: Guía para Reunificación Familiar