Texas has always been a state built by strong women, and today, as women entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community change-makers, we have a pivotal opportunity to shape its future.
The contributions of immigrant women are foundational to Texas’ economy and success. These women—along with their families—have been critical to the state’s growth, economy, and culture.
We cannot afford to overlook them.
They are our partners in building the future of this state, and their success is critical to our collective prosperity.
At Her Texas, we champion the advancement of all women leaders and women-owned businesses, but given our location, we are aware of the unique and urgent needs of the immigrant community here in Texas and in particular, the many Latina immigrant women that live, work and build businesses in our communities across the state.
Here’s the facts: Many of our neighbors are currently living in fear and uncertainty as immigration enforcement (which impacts both documented and undocumented) continues to rise.
As we face these challenges, it’s crucial to stand together and provide the resources, guidance, and support that immigrants in our community deserve.
Did you know that 17.7% of Texas residents were born outside the United States? This statistic doesn’t just tell us about diversity; it highlights the indispensable role immigrants play in our economy. Undocumented immigrants alone make up about 8% of the state’s workforce as of 2021, adding significant value despite their uncertain status.
While the state has historically been a destination for Mexican immigrants, today, there has been a shift in the sources of immigration, with a rise in immigrants from Central America, Sub-Saharan Africa, and South and East Asia.
There is no denying that the Texas economy depends on immigrant labor. A prime example of this fact is healthcare, where immigrants make up a significant portion of the workforce, including nurses, home health aides, and other frontline workers.
According to the Migration Policy Institute, nearly one in four healthcare workers in Texas is an immigrant. This is especially true in home health care, where immigrants—many of them women—play a crucial role in caring for elderly and disabled Texans.
“Immigrants are key to sustaining Texas’ healthcare workforce, and infuse it with vital skills and perspectives that help drive innovation and quality care. Their contributions are essential, and ensure that our state’s medical workforce remains resilient, responsive and able to meet the growing needs of our state.” Esmaeil Porsa, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer, Harris Health.
Without immigrant workers, the state’s healthcare system would face severe shortages, particularly in rural and underserved areas where access to care is already limited. As Texas’ population grows and ages, the demand for healthcare workers will only increase, making immigrant labor not just beneficial, but absolutely essential.
Immigration isn’t just a humanitarian issue; it’s a major economic one, especially here in Texas.
Today, I’m sharing a comprehensive set of resources for immigrant women and families facing detainment, harassment, or uncertainty. This isn’t just about providing information—it’s about making sure every woman in our community knows she is seen, valued, and never alone.
I don’t have all the answers, but I do know that my responsibility as a businesswoman and community leader in this state is to learn, grow, and pass on the resources that can empower all women—especially those at the margins of our society. Please explore and share these resources. And a very special thank you to so many amazing people who helped to pull all of this together.
WHAT TO DO if a loved one has been detained
If a family member or friend has been taken by ICE:
✅ Find Out Where They Are: Use ICE’s Online Detainee Locator System (https://locator.ice.gov) or call the local ICE office. You’ll need their full name, A-number (if available), and birthdate.
✅ Contact an Immigration Lawyer Immediately: Do not wait—legal help is critical. If you can’t afford one, seek pro bono assistance from organizations like RAICES, ACLU, or the National Immigration Law Center.
✅ Do Not Discuss the Case Over the Phone: Calls from detention centers may be recorded. Instruct your loved one to say only that they want to speak to a lawyer.
✅ Prepare for Bond: Some detainees are eligible for bond. If possible, start gathering funds or connect with an organization that helps pay bond.
✅ Notify Their Employer or Family: Make arrangements for dependents, bills, and work as needed.
what to do if ice stops you
If you are stopped by ICE, stay calm and follow these steps:
✅ Stay Silent: You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer any questions about your immigration status or where you were born.
✅ Do Not Show False Documents: Never present fake papers or lie to an officer.
✅ Ask If You Are Free to Leave: Say, “Am I free to go?” If they say yes, walk away calmly.
✅ Do Not Consent to a Search: ICE cannot search you or your belongings without a warrant signed by a judge.
✅ Do Not Sign Anything Without a Lawyer: ICE may try to pressure you into signing voluntary deportation papers. Don’t sign anything before speaking with an attorney.
✅ Record and Document: If possible, take note of badge numbers, names, and what was said. If safe, record the interaction.
✅ Call a Lawyer: Have a trusted attorney’s number saved in your phone or memorized.
how to prepare for a raid or arrest
Being prepared can make a huge difference.
📌 Emergency Contact List: Write down the names and phone numbers of a trusted lawyer, family, and a community support group. Carry a copy with you and give one to a trusted friend.
📌 Family Preparedness Plan:
- Assign a guardian for your children (through a legal power of attorney if possible).
- Keep copies of important documents (birth certificates, passports, IDs) in a safe place.
- Make sure someone knows how to access your bank account, rent payments, and other financial matters.
📌 Know Your Safe Spaces: Identify local organizations that provide assistance, including churches and advocacy groups.
📌 Have a Safety Word: Use a pre-arranged word with family or close friends to signal danger without raising suspicion.
BOND & DETENTION SUPPORT
National Bail Fund Network – Connects with local organizations that provide bond assistance.
Freedom for Immigrants Hotline – The nation’s largest immigration detention hotline, connecting immigrants in detention to their family, resources, and abuse documentation support at no cost to them. Call 209-757-3733 for help locating detained individuals and support.
Spanish-Language Hotline Numbers
For immediate assistance, these hotlines offer bilingual support for legal aid, crisis intervention, and emotional support:
🚨 Urgent Legal Help & ICE Detention Support
✅ Immigrant Defense Project (IDP) Hotline – (212) 725-6422 (M-F, 9 AM-5 PM EST)
✅ National Immigration Law Center (NILC) – (213) 639-3900 (Legal resources for immigrants)
✅ RAICES (Texas-focused legal aid) – (210) 222-0964
✅ United We Dream Deportation Defense Hotline – (844) 363-1423
🛑 Know Your Rights & ICE Raid Reporting
✅ Family Preparedness Plan Helpline (CLINIC Legal) – (301) 565-4800
✅ Report ICE Activity (Immigrant Defense Project) – (212) 725-6422
💙 Emotional & Mental Health Support
✅ National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Spanish) – (888) 628-9454
✅ Crisis Text Line (Español) – Text HOLA to 741741
✅ Latino Community Mental Health Hotline – (866) 611-3753
Faith-Based Support & Advocacy
World Relief Texas – Provides resettlement assistance, immigration legal services, and community support from a Christian perspective.
Women of Welcome – A faith-driven community that educates and mobilizes individuals to welcome immigrants and refugees with compassion.
We Choose Welcome – A grassroots community seeking to mobilize and equip women of faith to build and cultivate a welcome movement from their tables at home to the halls of Congress
DIRECT AID & COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Rio Valley Relief Project – Provides direct assistance to immigrants in the Rio Grande Valley, including shelter, food, and legal resources.
Carry The Future – Focuses on providing tangible aid to refugee families, including baby carriers, diapers, and emergency supplies.
Direct Links to Support Groups & Advocacy Networks
Connecting with the right organization can provide legal support, community, and empowerment.
Legal Aid & Deportation Defense
✔️ American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) – https://www.aila.org
✔️ Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) – https://www.ilrc.org
✔️ National Immigration Law Center (NILC) – https://www.nilc.org
✔️ RAICES (Texas-focused legal aid) – https://www.raicestexas.org
✔️ United We Dream (Deportation defense & advocacy) – https://www.unitedwedream.org
Community & Emotional Support Networks
✔️ Latino Community Foundation – https://latinocf.org
✔️ Hispanic Federation – https://hispanicfederation.org
✔️ UndocuBlack Network (Black immigrants support) – https://undocublack.org
✔️ Al Otro Lado (Binational legal and social services) – https://www.alotrolado.org
✔️ Make the Road (Immigrant & workers’ rights) – https://maketheroad.org
✔️ Human Rights Initiative of North Texas – https://hrionline.org
MENTAL HEALTH
SAMHSA’s National Helpline – The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a free, confidential, 24/7 helpline for individuals facing mental health or substance use issues. They provide referrals to local bilingual services: www.samhsa.gov
Texas Free Mental Health Services – This directory lists free and low-cost mental health resources across Texas, including services in major cities like Houston, Dallas, El Paso, and McAllen. Many of these programs offer bilingual support: www.freementalhealthservices.org
RAICES (Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services) – In addition to legal assistance, RAICES provides mental health support for immigrants facing trauma and stress related to detention and deportation. More information: www.raicestexas.org.
El Buen Samaritano (Austin, TX) – This nonprofit provides free mental health counseling and support for Spanish-speaking immigrants. Website: www.elbuen.org.
The Center for Survivors of Torture (Dallas & Austin, TX) – Offers free psychological counseling and trauma support for immigrants and refugees who have experienced persecution or violence. Website: www.cstnet.org.
Catholic Charities of Texas – Many branches of Catholic Charities in Texas provide free or low-cost counseling services in Spanish, especially for immigrants facing crisis situations. More details: www.catholiccharitiesusa.org.
HOW ALLIES & ADVOCATES CAN HELP
Non-immigrants play a crucial role in protecting and supporting immigrant communities. Here are actionable ways to make a real impact.
Offer Emergency Support
✅ Provide Temporary Housing: Many immigrants—especially those recently released from detention—need safe, short-term housing. Connect with local organizations like Casa Marianella (Texas), Freedom for Immigrants, and Al Otro Lado to offer space.
✅ Volunteer as a Sponsor: Some immigrants need a U.S.-based sponsor for legal processes. Groups like RAICES and The Asylum Seeker Sponsorship Project connect sponsors with those in need.
✅ Drive or Accompany Immigrants to Court & Check-Ins: A simple act like offering a ride or standing with someone at an ICE check-in can provide immense emotional and logistical support.
Donate & Fund Legal Defense
✅ Support Legal Defense Funds: Many immigrants cannot afford attorneys. Consider donating to:
✅ Organize Fundraisers: Host community fundraisers, virtual donation drives, or GoFundMe campaigns for legal fees, housing, and emergency aid.
Advocate for Policy Change
✅ Contact Your Lawmakers: Demand fair immigration policies by calling, emailing, or meeting with elected officials. Use 5calls.org to find scripts and numbers for urgent policy issues.
✅ Attend & Promote Pro-Immigrant Events: Show up for protests, rallies, and town halls advocating immigrant rights. Follow local immigrant advocacy groups for event updates.
✅ Help Register Immigrants to Vote (If Eligible): If an immigrant has obtained U.S. citizenship, help them register and understand their voting rights. Check nass.org/can-I-vote for state-specific guidelines.
Build Inclusive & Safe Communities
✅ Support Immigrant-Owned Businesses: Spend your money at immigrant-run restaurants, stores, and services.
✅ Educate Yourself & Others: Learn about immigration policies, attend workshops, and share accurate information to combat misinformation. Follow and amplify organizations like NILC, United We Dream, and Immigrant Legal Resource Center.
✅ Offer Pro Bono Skills: If you have expertise in law, translation, mental health counseling, or job placement, volunteer your services through immigrant advocacy groups.
Investing in immigrant women is more than a moral imperative—it is a business strategy.
Women in Texas are the backbone of many industries, from healthcare to hospitality. When we empower immigrant women, we create an environment of growth, progress, and sustainability for all businesses, including those we build and lead.
But this isn’t just about business—it’s about building a state where every woman, regardless of where she was born, has the opportunity to lead, grow, and contribute. The economic future of Texas depends on the policies we implement today. If we truly want to support innovation, job creation, and economic growth, we must adopt commonsense policies that protect and empower immigrant workers—because their success is our success.
I sincerely believe in the power of community. If you have additional resources or ways to support immigrant women, please share them. Together, we can ensure that Texas remains a place of opportunity and dignity for all.
