Coalition Announces Hotline for Immigrants, Refugees and Travelers Affected by Executive Orders

HOUSTON — Today, the ACLU of Texas, Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative, Tahirih Justice Center, Vinson & Elkins LLP and Houston Volunteer Lawyers announced the launch of a hotline to help Texans understand recent changes to immigration laws. Callers can get assistance in understanding recent executive orders as well as existing immigration policies.

“There are many non-profit organizations in the Houston region and around the state that can provide free or low-cost legal services for immigrants. This hotline will help people access these organizations and get high quality legal assistance,” explains Kate Vickery, executive director of the Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative.

All callers will be offered a referral to an immigration attorney – either through the private bar or a non-profit legal services provider.

“Given the uncertainty over the recent executive orders, it is important for Texans to have access to real-time information,” said Rebecca L. Robertson, legal and policy director for the ACLU of Texas. “With immigrants, refugees and travelers being targeted with new enforcement tactics, the ACLU is committed to helping people understand their constitutional rights.”

Texans who need help navigating the executive orders can call the Immigrant Rights Hotline at 1-888-507-2970. The hotline is staffed by volunteer attorneys during regular business hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“We are blown away by how many attorneys want to step up and help during this confusing time in immigration law,” said Ellyn Josef, pro bono counsel at Vinson & Elkins LLP, an international law firm. “Through this hotline, attorneys can volunteer to help immigrants understand changes to current laws that may impact them or their families.”

Attorneys can register to volunteer online here:
https://portal.makejusticehappen.org/signups/Hotline.aspx