Ensuring Access to Social Services by Protecting Confidentiality
Immigrant workers are often fearful of seeking crucial services such as police departments and health care because to do so may mean they or their loved ones are exposed to the Immigration and Naturalization Service.  This section provides resources and model legislation for ensuring that immigrant workers can access government services and other important institutions without fear of revealing confidential information.

Trend: Local Efforts to Encourage Immigrants to Access Essential Social Services and Cooperate With the Police Without Fear of Immigration Consequences.   Experience shows that many immigrants will not access essential social services if doing so could result in sharing of information related to immigration status with the BICE (formerly INS)  or other federal agencies.  This policy short provides information about the recent trend of local governments adopting measures to protect confidential immigration status information of individuals accessing benefits or interacting with the police.  To read more, click here.  (December 2003)

Fact Sheet for Workers: NYC Privacy Policy: Know Your Rights.  In May and September of 2003, Mayor Bloomberg signed a pair of executive orders protecting the confidential information, including immigration status, of New Yorkers.  This fact sheet provides information for workers on their rights under this policy. (November 2003)

Low Pay, High Risk: Chapter 2: Focus on Community Health and Safety: Ensuring Immigrant Access to Public Services without Fear of Deportation This section discusses state and local strategies to improve immigrant access to social services, and to encourage immigrants to cooperate with and seek the assistance of law enforcement.  It includes profiles of local campaigns, model laws, talking points and suggestions for what advocates can do. (November 2003)