Mixed-Status Families 101
A “mixed-status family” is one where some members are U.S. citizens or lawful residents and others have this immigration status.
What is "Undocumented"?
When an undocumented parent is deported, their U.S. citizen children often stay behind and may be placed with these caregivers
What are relatives, friends, or foster families?
he process by which a non-citizen becomes a U.S. citizen.
What is Naturalization?
This type of scholarship allows undocumented students to attend college without needing federal aid.
What is a private or state-based scholarship?
Children in mixed-status families who are born in the United States are automatically granted this legal status.
What is U.S. Citizenship?
Mixed-status families often rely on this kind of local organization for legal help and support services.
What are community-based or immigrant rights organizations?
People fleeing their home country due to fear of persecution can apply for this type of protection.
What is Asylum?
Some U.S. states allow undocumented immigrants to get this document, making it easier to drive legally.
What is a driver's License?
The U.S. government agency primarily responsible for immigration enforcement within the country.
What is ICE (Immigration and customs Enforcement)?
One common emotional challenge children in mixed-status families face due to fear of deportation.
What is anxiety (or stress)?
This type of visa is given to people whose close family members are U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.
What is family-based visa?
True or False: All undocumented immigrants can apply for public housing and federal financial aid.
What is False?
This fear often prevents undocumented parents from accessing healthcare or education services for their children.
What is fear of deportation or family separation?
True or False: Undocumented immigrants can never pay taxes.
What is False? Many pay taxes using ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number)?
This document allows some undocumented individuals to legally work in the United States.
What is a work permit or Employment Authorization Document (EAD)?
This concept celebrates the blending of two or more cultures within immigrant families.
What is bicultural identity or multiculturalism?
This federal program, created in 2012, allows some undocumented youth who came to the U.S. as children to avoid deportation and get work permits.
What is DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)?
This term describes when family members are separated because some live in the U.S. while others are abroad due to immigration status.
What is Transnational Family Separation?
This agency handles applications for citizenship, green cards, and DACA
What is USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services)?
This common phrase refers to families who must hide aspects of their lives to avoid detection.
What is "Living in the Shadows"?