Papers, rights and real legal help, without the traps.

Legal & Documents

Passports and civil records

Passports, birth certificates, marriage records and national identity cards are issued by your country of origin, usually through its consulate in the United States.

1. Find the consulate that serves the state where you live; it may not be the nearest one.
2. Check the consulate's official website for the document list and book an appointment. Appointments are usually free.
3. Bring originals and copies. Some documents need a certified translation or an apostille.

Our free Consular Desk explains consular procedures step by step.

Legal & Documents

Finding a real lawyer, and avoiding notario fraud

In the United States, only two kinds of people may give immigration legal advice: a licensed attorney and a Department of Justice accredited representative working at a recognised organisation. A "notario", notary public, travel agent or "immigration consultant" may not.

• Ask for the attorney's bar number and check it on the state bar's website.
• Check accredited representatives and recognised organisations on the Department of Justice's official list.
• Get a written contract and a receipt for every payment. Never sign a blank form or a form you do not understand.
• Never let anyone keep your original documents.

For other matters, such as leases, contracts, debts and family law, legal aid organisations offer free help to households under their income limits. Members can use our legal guidance referrals.

Legal & Documents

Wills, powers of attorney and family papers

A few documents spare a family great pain if something happens.

• A will says who receives your property and who cares for your children.
• A power of attorney lets a trusted person act for you on money or health decisions if you cannot. Property or accounts in your home country may need a separate document made under that country's law.
• A list of policies and accounts, with where to find them, kept in a safe place a relative knows about.

Legal & Documents

A family preparedness plan

Every family should have a plan for an emergency: a hospital stay, an accident, a detention, a death. Write it down and share it with the adults who need to know.

1. Emergency contacts, in the United States and back home.
2. Who will care for the children, with their school and medical information.
3. Where the important documents are: passports, birth certificates, policies.
4. Who can access the household's money to pay rent and bills.
5. Your wishes if you die far from home: burial here or return home.

Legal & Documents

Your rights at work

In California, labour law protects every worker regardless of immigration status. Read our full guide to your rights at work, including wage claims, unsafe work and retaliation.