If you're an undocumented immigrant to the United States, you know you're at risk for deportation. But, your children are also at risk for deportation. If you have older children, there's a chance they'll get apprehended when they're not with you. If that happens, you need to act fast. Children aren't fast-tracked for deportation. But, they still go through the removal process. Luckily, there are ways to protect your children. If you're worried that your children will get picked up by immigration, read the list provided below.

Here are four steps you need to take to safeguard your children. 

Identify the Risks

If you have children, you know they're not always with you. That's why you need to identify the risks. Anytime your children are away from you, there's a risk that they'll get picked up by immigration. But, there are some activities that are riskier than others.

For instance, teens can get identified by immigration if they're stopped by the police. Teens are also at risk while they're at work, especially if immigration conducts a raid. Children can also get picked up by immigration if they're at a friend's house during an immigration raid. Understanding the risks can help you prepare your children. 

Talk to Your Child

If you're worried that your children could get picked up by immigration, now's the time to start talking to them. There are some steps your children can do to safeguard themselves. First, children should know that they don't need to let immigration officers into the home.

Second, if your children are inside the house when immigration officers show up, they don't need to go with them. Third, let your children know that they have the right to remain silent. Finally, your older children should always have the number of an immigration attorney. That way, they can get legal help in an emergency. 

Know the Process

If you and your children are undocumented immigrants, understand the deportation process. If your children get picked up by immigration, they'll get taken to an ORR detention facility. From there, children get placed in local shelters. If your children get picked up by immigration, you'll need to act fast. An attorney can help you stop the deportation. 

Hire an Attorney

If your children get taken into immigration custody, you need to hire an immigration attorney right away. If you don't have money for an attorney, you can still get legal help. There are immigration lawyers who will provide pro bono help. That means they won't charge you for their legal help. 

Contact an immigration attorney near you to learn more.