Immigration & Citizenship Resources

Below are resources about immigration and citizenship. Note: None of this information is legal advice and we recommend contacting an immigration lawyer for help with individual cases. The Library does not endorse any service or organization included on this page.

You can jump to the following sections of this resource list:

• Know Your Rights & Family Preparedness
• Immigration Legal Services
• Citizenship
• Immigrant Students & Parents
• Government Websites

Know Your Rights & Family Preparedness

• Know Your Rights Cards: Everyone has certain rights regardless of immigration status. Print out your own cards to keep in your wallet. Available in various languages.
• Know Your Rights Cards Instructions: Learn how to use the know your rights cards with this guide.
• Family Preparedness Plans: Create a plan for yourself and your family in case of an immigration emergency. Available in English and Spanish.
• Rapid Response Networks: Hotlines to report ICE activity and get deportation support in Santa Clara County (408-290-1144) and San Mateo County (203-666-4472)

Immigration Legal Services

Note: The Library does not endorse any specific service or organization listed.

• Free and Low-Cost Immigration Legal Services: Immigration nonprofits in Santa Clara County and San Mateo County. National directory to find nonprofits by ZIP code, state, or detention center.
• American Immigration Lawyers Association: Private immigration lawyer directory and information on how to work with one.
• Immigration Scam Awareness Hub: Tips to avoid and report scams targeting immigrants. Available in various languages.

Citizenship Information

• USCIS Citizenship Resource Center: Study materials, application forms, and information from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
• Citizenshipworks: Online service to find out if you qualify for citizenship and get connected to organizations to help you apply.
• Palo Alto Adult School Citizenship Classes: Preparation classes for citizenship interviews and tests.
• Online Citizenship Resources through the Library: Practice citizenship tests through Brainfuse and Testing & Education Reference Center.                       
  • For Brainfuse, select “SkillSurfer”, then select “Adult Learner Resources”, then select “U.S. Citizenship Test Preparation Guide” or “U.S. Citizenship Practice Test”

• • For Testing & Education Reference Center, select “Prepare for US Citizenship”, then select “U.S. Citizenship Practice Tests” or “Becoming a U.S. Citizen Prep”. You will need to create an account with your email address.

• Citizenship Corner at Mitchell Park Library: Citizenship test study materials, flash cards, and brochures about citizenship located on the 2^nd floor 

Immigrant Students and Parents

• California Student Aid Commission: Financial aid for higher education information for undocumented students and mixed-status families.
• Guide for Immigrant Students and Families: Educational rights and checklists for students and families attending public schools. Available in English and Spanish.
• Stanford University: Support for international, undocumented, and DACA students.
• Foothill College: Support for undocumented students. Application and immigration advising for international students.

Government Websites

• USA.gov – Immigration & U.S. Citizenship: Federal government website with immigration information.
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): Federal government agency for asylum, green card, and citizenship applications. Includes online case status tool, resources in various languages, and informational videos.
• ICE Online Detainee Locator & Immigration Court Case Information System: Find a person detained by ICE and get immigration court case status information.
• California Immigrant Guide: Public benefits, jobs, and education information for immigrants.
• Resources for California’s Immigrant Communities: Know your rights, immigrant student and family guides, scam prevention, and employer resources.
• Immigration Resource Guide: Self-help guide from the California Courts system.
• County Offices: Santa Clara County Office of Immigrant Relations and San Mateo County Office of Community Affairs’ Immigrant Services.