Immigration Resources

We value our diverse team at NYCSBUS and recognize that many of our employees, like so many in our city, come from immigrant backgrounds. We understand that recent conversations around immigration may be causing uncertainty, concern, or worry for many of us – whether for ourselves, our families, or our friends. We also recognize that when we are worried, it can be difficult to do our best work.

We are committed to taking care of one another and want to support our team to the best of our ability. To help, we’ve compiled a list of resources for individuals, drivers, and managers including support networks, legal aid services, and informational toolkits. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need support.

Guidance on Law Enforcement Interactions at Work

At NYCSBUS, the safety and privacy of our students and staff are our top priorities. Below are important protocols to follow if law enforcement, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), contacts or visits our buses or depots.

If Law Enforcement Stops a Bus

Please remember the instructions we’ve received from NYC Public Schools:

The only individuals permitted on school buses are: students and their assigned paraprofessionals, NYC Public School Officials with ID, NYCSBUS staff, and NYPD.
If any other individuals, including law enforcement outside of NYC, state, or federal law enforcement, attempt to board a bus, keep the doors closed and contact Dispatch immediately.
Student information is confidential. Do not share route sheets or student details with anyone other than NYC Public School officials with proper identification.

If Law Enforcement Visits a Depot

If Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), FBI, or any other enforcement agency visits a depot:

Politely inform them to wait outside.
Request their name, badge number, the phone number of their supervisor, a photo of any warrant, and the purpose of their visit.
Call Matt, Victorio, or Keith immediately.
If they are pursuing a fleeing suspect or there is an immediate risk of harm, let the agent in and notify Matt, Victorio, or Keith immediately.

Taking Care of Yourself and Your Community

Helpful
Resources

Want to make a copy of your work authorization? Feel free to use one our copy machines or ask someone to help make a copy for you.
NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) offers a wealth of resources, including a list of over 20 legal support centers around NYC and resource booklets in multiples languages that provide guidance on what to do if approached by ICE agents, how to support a detained friend or family member, and information about NYC laws that protect all of us, including immigrants.
New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC) provides community resources for immigrants in a variety of languages, including Spanish, Haitian Creole, and Chinese.
Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) has a Family Preparedness plan available in Spanish and English and a resource toolkit for immigrants about encounters with ICE and workplace rights in a variety of languages.
National Immigration Legal Services Directory provides a directory of nonprofit organizations that provide free or low-cost immigration services.

Support Helplines

Call(800) 354 - 0365 or 311 and say “Immigration Legal” Monday through Friday from 9 am - 6 pm for answers to immigration policy questions and information on how to find free, City-funded, safe immigration legal help.

Click here for more information.
Call (800) 566 - 7636 Monday through Friday from 9 am - 8 pm for answers to immigrant and naturalization questions, information about opportunity centers, and referrals to free legal help. All calls are confidential and anonymous.

Click here for more information.