Immigration Resource Hub
At Richmond Public Schools (RPS), we believe in creating a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for all students and families, regardless of immigration status. RPS is and will remain a safe place for all students, and we want to see our students in school every single day because this is the safest environment for them to learn, grow, and thrive.
Through this Immigration Resource Hub, we are honored to offer resources designed to empower and support you.
Here, you will find:
- Self-Help and Language Justice Resources to assist with communication and access.
- Links to Trusted RVA Community Partners who share our commitment to serving immigrant and multilingual families.
- A Vetted Legal Aid, Policy & Legislative Information & Resource List to guide and support you through complex situations.
At RPS, we are committed to providing a free public education to all children in our district, regardless of immigration status. We are here for you and your family every step of the way. And remember- we love you here!
Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for legal advice.
Make a Plan
Local & State Community Partners and Resources |
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| RPS Resources |
Richmond Public Schools Welcome Center: The Welcome Center serves the district’s newcomer students and families who speak a language other than English in the home through enrollment support, evaluation for LIEP services, and connecting them to school and community resources. Click on the following brochures for more information, available in English or Spanish. The Family Network Series, sponsored by our RPS Welcome Center, creates a consistent space for dialogue, learning, and advocacy. Meetings are held monthly at the Welcome Center and at the S.A.F.E Center at Clark Springs. Know Your Rights Nights are presented regularly. Language Justice in RPS: Language is never a barrier in RPS, and we firmly believe that every family has the right to engage in their child’s education. Remember to utilize the staff language line. Families can call schools by using the family language line. Ombuds for Students and Families: The Ombuds is bilingual. Victoria Gochez serves as a designated neutral party and provides confidential, informal assistance and support to parents, guardians, advocates, educators, and students. Call: (804) 664-7723 | Email: vgochez@rvaschools.net Bilingual School Social Worker: Lauren Dailey supports our bilingual students by providing wrap-around services to promote school success. Lauren Daily will also be at the Welcome Center twice a week, connecting with families at the beginning of their RPS journey. Email: ldailey@rvaschools.net RPS LOVE Market: The S.A.F.E. Center at Clark Springs is where we host the RPS Love Market, in partnership with Feedmore, to help combat hunger in our community. Registration is required. Delivery is available. Rapid Response is our protocol for supporting any student with an immigration-specific concern. Connect with your school-based Rapid Response Team and document all resource navigation, next-steps, or request additional support through the email address listed below. A follow-up will be provided within 24 hours. The SpeakUp phone number should be utilized for after-hours emergencies. Call: (804) 655-5585 | Email: rapidresponse@rvaschools.net |
| RVA Community Partners and Resources |
Richmond Public Library: The Broad Rock Library specifically helps families that need notary services, Power of Attorney letters, and Standby Guardianship Emergency Plans. Spanish or English support is available, and appointments take about 30 minutes. Call: Heather Montgomery 804-646-1867 (leave a message) Office of Immigrant and Refugee Engagement (OIRE): The City of Richmond’s one-stop resource and link between the immigrant and refugee communities and community/city programs. Follow OIRE on Facebook to stay up to date on upcoming trainings and City resources. OIRE also offers legal clinics. Call: 804-646-0145 International Rescue Committee: The International Rescue Committee provides opportunities for refugees to thrive in America and has an Immigration Legal Services Team. Email: immigration.va@rescue.org RHHD Resource Centers: The Richmond/Henrico Health District Resource Centers offer community health services directly in the communities where families reside. The Southwood Resource Center in particular, supports our largest Spanish speaking community through programming in collaboration with community organizations and distribution of resources. Relocated now at 400 E. Cary St. Call: 804-205-3500 to schedule an appointment Waymakers Foundation: The Waymakers Foundation is a food pantry like no other, serving the Latino community with fresh and culturally conscious food and produce. Aside from their pantry, Waymakers Foundation partners with community organizations to hold a community resource fair every month. Follow the organization on Facebook to stay up to date on their services and upcoming programming. Sacred Heart Center: The Sacred Heart Center offers programming and support to the Latino community through their adult/youth programs and community hub resources, which include tax services and an immigration legal services program. The Center also has an on-site food pantry. Call: 804-230-4399 | Email: immigration_services_team@shcrichmond.org
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Legal Aid, Policy & Legislative Information & Resources |
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| LAJC Immigration Rapid Response Toolkit |
Preparing Yourself In Case of An Immigration Emergency Designed to help you prepare for potential immigration enforcement actions, including knowing your rights, gathering essential documents, identifying emergency contacts, and understanding the steps to take if confronted by immigration authorities. |
| ILRC Know Your Rights Toolkit |
Publication Date: June 19, 2019 Every family should have a Family Preparedness Plan in case of an emergency. This toolkit provides information on your rights, how to prepare for possible encounters with immigration authorities, and how to prepare in case of emergencies. |
| ACLU-VA Know Your Rights: Stopped by Police or ICE One-Pager |
Know Your Rights: Stopped By Police or ICE in Virginia Know what to do if you are stopped or questioned by local or federal law enforcement officers. |
| We Have Rights Videos |
Series of videos depicting what civilians should do during encounters with ICE. The videos are voiced in multiple languages. |
| FERPA Guides |
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act or FERPA provides certain rights for parents regarding their children’s education records. Student Guide | Guía Para Estudiantes Last Updated: March 2023 This guide provides general information on an eligible student’s rights under FERPA. Parent Guide | Guía Para Padres Last Updated: July 2021 This guide provides general information on a parent’s rights under FERPA. |
| Detained or Deported: What about my children? |
Detained or Deported: What About My Children? This toolkit provides detained and deported immigrant and undocumented parents and guardians with crucial information they need to protect and maintain parental rights. Information about the child welfare system, Tips for preventing family separation, Steps to take to protect parental rights, and Resources for families facing deportation |
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ICE Detained Parents Directive 11064.3 |
ICE Detained Parents Directive This directive ensures that noncitizen parents or legal guardians arrested or detained for civil immigration proceedings can visit their child, arrange their care, and participate in related court or child welfare proceedings. Fact Sheet | Hoja Informativa |
| VA Driver Privilege Card | Driver Privilege Card In Virginia, undocumented individuals may qualify for a Driver Privilege Card (DPC). Enacted in 2021, Senate Bill (SB) 34 gives the opportunity for undocumented individuals to receive a Driver Privilege Card. |
External Agencies |
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| ACLU - VA Immigration Legal Services List |
Immigration Legal Services in Virginia Created by ACLU of Virginia. List of legal service providers, including non-profit organizations and private law firms in the Virginia area. |
| National Immigration Legal Services Directory |
Find nonprofit immigration legal service providers by state, county, or detention facility. This directory includes only organizations offering free or low-cost services. |
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Immigrant Assistance Helpline |
From The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights. A toll-free information and referral phone line, available Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm. (888) 624-4752 | chirla.org |
| National Immigration Detention Hotline |
National Immigration Detention Hotline Open Monday through Friday 3 pm to 11 pm EST. Provides free support to detained immigrants, connecting them with family, resources, and abuse documentation assistance. 1 (209) 757-3733 |
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NAKASEC 24/7 Hotline |
Are you worried about your immigration situation? Has a loved one been detained? Call for live confidential assistance in Korean and English. 1 (844) 500-3222 |
| Tahirih’s Afghan Asylum Helpline |
Open Monday to Friday 10 am. to 4 pm. Pashto and Dari interpreters are available. Recently arrived Afghan citizens in the U.S. can access resources and connect with local organizations offering on-the-ground support. |
| Immigration Equality LGBTQ Hotline |
If you are in detention: (917) 654-9696 General Inquiries: 1 (212) 714-2904 You can also fill out a contact form. |
