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Beyond the trauma caused by the detention or deportation of a loved one is the burden of figuring out how to keep the family going without them. Experts say it is essential to have clarity on certain matters that will allow families to continue caring for their children and protecting their assets.
Those who are familiar with these processes strongly recommend being prepared above all else. “Latinos often lack a culture of organization and preparation to face unexpected situations. And it’s not just about a possible deportation,” said Bismarelis Inoa, senior assistant at the Community Economic Development Center (CEDC) of New Bedford.
Inoa emphasized the importance of keeping essential documents like passports and IDs in safe places where they can be easily located by someone you trust. “If something happens to me, I need to be able to tell someone: they’re there, go and get them,” she explained.
Another key recommendation is to draft a power of attorney — a legal document that allows someone to appoint another person to act on their behalf. It allows someone else to take care of the children in the event that the parent is no longer in the country. That person should also be prepared to make arrangements to return the children to their country of origin, if necessary.
On the financial side, whether dealing with a bank or a credit union, it is crucial to ask about their procedures for safeguarding your accounts in case of an emergency.
There are also informal options to consider, such as leaving a debit or credit card with someone you fully trust, making bank-to-bank transfers, or using one of the many available apps to send and receive money.
Finally, it is essential to formally authorize spouses or trusted individuals to handle procedures on your behalf. “When you give someone authorization, you have to be very specific. It’s not a good idea to make it too general, because your name is at stake,” said Inoa.
Email Gerardo Beltrán Salinas at gerardo@newbedfordlight.org
