Resources

Credit is a powerful financial tool that enables you to access funds immediately to purchase a product or service, with the flexibility to repay it in the future.

Taxes are the funds collected by the government to support essential services such as transportation, security, education, public lighting, and more.

Know your financial rights and responsibilities, including secure banking, debt obligations, cash limits, and transaction costs locally and abroad.

If you're abroad, continue paying your mortgage to avoid foreclosure, and consider renting your property for income. To sell, grant power of attorney and consult your lender first.

Before leaving the country, keep up with bill payments, file taxes if applicable, monitor your credit, and consider granting power of attorney for someone to handle payments. Close accounts once debts are settled, or do so online.

Keep essential documents like IDNYC, passport, and power of attorney secure. If interacting with authorities, avoid signing documents and contact your consulate. Ensure IDs are current to avoid legal issues.

Parents should secure both U.S. and home country birth certificates and passports for children with dual citizenship. A letter outlining the parents' intentions is also needed for any potential situations. Without dual nationality, Child Services may take custody.

If ICE agents arrive, stay calm, don’t open the door without a warrant, and ask for the reason and an interpreter. If arrested, remain silent, don’t sign anything, and request a lawyer. Cooperate without aggression and keep any documents they provide.