Immigration Support Volunteer Committee
Offering reliable and compassionate companionship to individuals navigating the path to legal residence
Mission Statement
Our purpose is to offer reliable and compassionate companionship to individuals navigating the path to legal residence, ensuring they feel supported during required appointments.
Scope of Support
The service provides emotional and physical presence during appointments, as well as witness to the experience.
It aims to create a safe and hopeful experience for individuals seeking legal status.
We walk with them as allies and companions, not authorities or experts.
Limitations
- • We cannot give legal advice
- • We do not interfere with law enforcement
- • We cannot provide transportation
- • We cannot provide childcare
- • We cannot offer financial assistance
Witnessing and Documentation
- 1 Before the appointment: It is appropriate to meet with the individual before the appointment in order to record their full name, date of birth and country of origin. Document the date, time, location and purpose of the appointment. Record the name of the individual's attorney and family member to contact. Record video or take written notes, remaining as objective and accurate as possible.
- 2 During the appointment: Stand/sit with the individual and offer encouragement and hope but make no promise except to stand by them throughout the appointment. Do not offer commentary or engage with the official conducting the procedure, unless requested. Keep comments brief, respectful and factual. If asked, identify yourself and state your purpose of offering support, companionship and witness for the individual. Answer questions, but do not offer unsolicited information. If asked to leave the room, do so without argument. Document the incident and remain outside the room until the individual comes out.
- 3 Remain with the individual until they exit the building and walk with them to their car, if you are comfortable with doing so.
- 4 Should law enforcement officers detain or attempt to remove an individual before/during/after an appointment, our role is to serve as a calm and confident witness.
What Volunteers Should Do
- • Record video or take written notes, remaining objective and accurate
- • Document the date, time, location and circumstances of the event
- • Include the client's full name, date of birth and country of origin
- • Include the name(s) and badge number(s) of law enforcement officers, if safely possible
- • Document any actions taken
- • Share the information with the coordinator, who will get it to the appropriate person (lawyer, family, etc.)
What Volunteers Should NOT Do
Important Restrictions
- ⚠ Carry any weapon during the immigration support activity
- ⚠ Physically interfere with, block or put themselves between an officer and the individual
- ⚠ Touch (even inadvertently) any law enforcement personnel
- ⚠ Use profanity or name calling - our job is to witness and record
Interactions with Law Enforcement
You may ask an officer to identify themselves and/or the agency they work for
Request to see ID or badge
Ask about warrants
Ask why the individual is being detained
Ask where they are being taken
Record information relevant to this process
After the Appointment
- 1 Check in with the individual - How are they feeling?
- 2 Ask if they need further support related to their legal process
- 3 Note the next appointment, if known
- 4 Send your notes/recording to the coordinator
Volunteer Guidance
The scope of our mission is to provide emotional and physical presence to individuals seeking legal residence
We aim to create a hopeful and safe experience for these individuals during their legal appointments
We provide witness to the experience through eyewitness, video or audio. Live broadcast is most effective
We try to project an attitude of calmness and confidence and do not get caught up in emotion
We are unarmed throughout the interaction with the individual we are supporting
We do not become involved with the individuals we support outside of the volunteer framework
Additional Guidelines
- • Volunteers are not required to provide ID to law enforcement unless they are placed under arrest/being detained
- • Volunteers may request law enforcement officials identify themselves and show their ID/badge
- • Political/provocative clothing is not recommended
- • Wear comfortable clothing and shoes
Ready to Get Involved?
Contact us to learn more about volunteering with the Immigration Support Committee and how you can help make a difference in our community.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Join the Movement
Connect with Indivisible TX-02 and help build progressive power in Texas.