Guidance to Nonprofits Regarding Immigration Enforcement

From the introduction:

“The incoming federal administration has promised a set of actions focused on mass deportations as well as aggressive and harsh immigration policies. If implemented, the human cost to immigrant New Yorkers will be staggering. Community-based organizations and nonprofits provide mission-driven services to hundreds of thousands of immigrants in the state. Many in the sector have asked for guidance on how they can conduct their work in a lawful manner that will best permit their clients and members to participate safely. In response, New York Lawyers for the Public Interest and Lawyers Alliance for New York issue this Guidance to Nonprofits Regarding Immigration Enforcement. Our unique positions allow us to be nimble and responsive to the needs and growing concerns of the nonprofit sector. We’ve mobilized resources quickly to issue one of the first comprehensive documents outlining best practices for New York nonprofits when assisting and protecting immigrant clients amidst heightened immigration enforcement. We have developed this guide to outline nonprofits’ rights and establish best practices.

This guidance reflects information known at the time of writing. Much of the guidance reflects rights grounded in the United States Constitution, particularly the Fourth Amendment, that should remain relatively stable unless they are challenged in new litigation that reaches the United States Supreme Court. Other guidance, however, reflects policies and practices at the federal, state, and local levels that are far more susceptible to sudden change. Accordingly, we intend to further update this guidance as enforcement practices and relevant laws, regulations, policies, and practices change.”