Protect your children from the most profound impact of deportations: family separation. In the United States, 5.4 million American citizen children have undocumented parents, which leaves them in a vulnerable situation.
For these families, the threat of deportation is not only a daily concern, but a real risk that can leave children in legal limbo if there is no backup plan.
Faced with this reality, the organization World Voices Media, in association with HCN Global, has launched the national campaign “Protect Your Children.” Broadcast on television, radio, digital media and social networks, this initiative seeks to help millions of immigrant parents designate a guardian and keep their children out of the foster care system.
The process is simple and does not require a lawyer. Rules vary by state, but in almost all states, only a trusted relative or friend who is a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident is required.
The campaign recommends introducing them to their children to ensure they feel comfortable and safe, as well as having a plan of action in case the parents are detained.
Through a video spot that began circulating this week, the campaign suggests that parents write the guardian’s name and phone number inside their children’s shoes so they can contact them if necessary.
It also recommends adding the guardian’s name to their school record as an adult with authority to pick up their children, when necessary.
On the website protegeatusninos.com, the campaign makes the power of attorney or guardian form available to those interested.
In some states, only the parents of the minor must sign the form, in others, the guardian must also sign, which must be notarized, a simple process that can be completed with a bank notary.
The campaign also provides links to organizations that can help those interested with guardianship forms and legal assistance.
Designating a guardian does not mean giving up or accepting family separation as fate, but rather the opposite: it is an act of love and foresight. It is a way to ensure that, no matter what happens, children will be in good hands.
In uncertain times, the best protection parents can provide their children is planning. Because even if immigration policies change, a parent’s duty to protect their children always remains.
