Resources for Immigrant Families During Vulnerable Times

By Postpartum Support International

Becoming a mother or father is a profound transformation. But when this experience happens in the midst of immigration uncertainty, like raids, court dates, or the constant fear of family separation, the emotional stress can feel overwhelming.

If you or someone in your family is expecting a baby or is in the postpartum stage and living with fear due to their immigration status or that of a loved one, we want you to know that you are not alone. Your well-being matters, and support is available.

Below, we list free resources that can offer emotional support, mental health care, and legal support resources regardless of your immigration status.

Your mental health is a priority, and it is a brave act to take care of that.

Fear, worry, anxiety, and sadness are normal reactions to a difficult situation. Acknowledging your feelings doesn’t make you weak; it makes you human.

Have you felt:

Constant fear for yourself or your children?
Insomnia or emotional exhaustion?
Deep sadness, irritability, or a sense of isolation?

If so, it’s important to seek support.

Confidential Emotional Support Lines

PSI HelpLine
Call or text the PSI HelpLine
Call/Lama 1-800-944-4773 (4PPD) ( English & Spanish)
Text/Texto “Help” to 800-944-4773 (English) or 971-203-7773 (Español)
You will receive emotional support, information about support groups, our peer support program, and help finding perinatal mental health professionals.
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
The hotline is free, confidential, and here to help pregnant and new moms, 24/7 in English and Spanish.
Call or Text 1-833-852-6262 (1-833-TLC-MAMA) Interpreter Services are available in 60 languages. (US Only)

In an Emergency

National Suicide Prevention Hotline:
Call or text the 988 Lifeline
National Crisis Text Line:
Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the USA, anytime, about any crisis.
Call for yourself or someone you care about. Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7, high-quality text-based mental health support and crisis intervention by empowering a community of trained volunteers to support people in their moments of need.

Free Legal Support to Protect Your Family

Having a legal plan can bring peace of mind. These national organizations offer free legal guidance to immigrants, especially women and families in vulnerable situations.

Tahirih Justice Center is a national, nonprofit organization that serves women, girls, and all immigrant survivors of gender-based violence.
Know Your Rights Information provides materials and workshops about the rights of immigrant families. That includes information about what to do if a family member is detained.
Have a family plan – create a plan to ensure your children’s safety and well-being in the event of family separation or deportations. Include information about power of attorney and keep important documents accessible.
Your local consulate or embassy, depending on your location, can offer legal assistance, especially for those facing detention or deportation. They can ensure you understand your rights and the legal process. They can also help detained individuals connect with family members. Consulates provide emergency contact information and support in urgent cases, including legal matters, documentation, and family reunification efforts.
Local community organizations often have up-to-date information on local, state, and federal immigration laws. They can guide you based on your unique situation. Many work with pro bono attorneys, social workers, counselors, and community workers who understand the immigrant community.

Medical Attention and Mental Health Care Regardless of Your Immigration Status

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Certified Community Behavioral Health Crisis (CCBHCs) offer affordable health services and mental health care, even with insurance. Find a center close to you here: www.findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov
SAMHSA offers mental health services and more.

Create Your Emotional Support Network and Well-being Plan

Living with constant fear can be exhausting; for that reason, it is important to create a support network. Here are some recommendations:

Participate in PSI virtual support groups; they provide a safe space to talk about your emotions
Write a legal emergency plan, including who to call. Who will take care of your children in the case something occurs?
Create a daily ritual of self-care: practice five deep breathing, write about your feelings, and listen to music that can calm you.

These small gestures don’t erase the fear, but can give you a sense of control.