The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Louisiana has created Tools to Protect Your Business, a resource to help small business owners and their employees understand how to keep their business operating if an owner or key worker is detained or deported.
This guide provides essential steps for planning, documentation, and emergency readiness to protect your business and your family in uncertain situations.
Disclaimer: This information is for general educational purposes only and is not legal advice. The HCCL does not provide legal representation. Please consult a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your case.
Many families in Louisiana are facing difficult and uncertain times.
Five Bread and Two Fish Coalition is raising funds to provide food and essential supplies to those in need.
Your support becomes direct help for our community.
A Power of Attorney (POA), known in Louisiana as a Mandate or Procuration, is an essential document that allows you to appoint a trusted representative to manage your business affairs if you are unable to do so. Having a POA in place ensures that your business can continue operating smoothly during an immigration emergency or any unexpected situation.
Business Continuity: A Louisiana POA gives your agent the authority to handle financial transactions, contracts, and real estate matters, keeping your business running without interruption.
Legal Compliance: Be prepared for I-9 audits, SSA “No Match” letters, and other regulatory challenges by appointing an agent who can act legally on your behalf.
Easy Access to Legal Protection: Download and review Louisiana’s official Mandate / Power of Attorney forms to secure your operations and protect your assets.
Protect your business assets and ensure uninterrupted financial access with key strategies designed for immigrant business owners. Having the right financial safeguards in place allows you to maintain control over your business, even in challenging situations.
Secure Business Banking Access: Learn how to add a co-signer or authorized representative to your business account, ensuring financial continuity. Get access to information on banks that accept ITIN-based accounts and business structures like LLCs to protect your assets.
Stay Legally Compliant: Understand I-9 audit procedures, documentation strategies, and labor law compliance to prevent fines and disruptions to your business operations.
Prepare your business and employees for unexpected immigration-related challenges with essential tools and strategies to maintain operations and protect your workforce.
Be Ready for Government Audits & Raids: Gain access to guides on I-9 audits, workplace compliance, and employee rights during ICE enforcement actions. Ensure that your team understands their legal protections and knows how to respond effectively.
Develop an Emergency Contact Plan: Identify a legal representative who can take charge of critical business decisions if you are detained. Use our business continuity plan templates to secure essential documents, including:
The Red Card is a simple tool that helps you exercise your constitutional rights during any interaction with immigration authorities. Learn what to say and how to protect yourself.
Everyone in the U.S. has rights, regardless of immigration status. The Red Card provides quick guidance to assert those rights and avoid giving consent to a search or questioning.
Use the Red Card to clearly communicate that you do not wish to answer questions or allow a search without a valid warrant. It’s an important resource for immigrant safety and awareness.
Know Your Rights in The City of New Orleans
The city provides a platform where you can confidentially report immigration related incidents and access resources that explain what to do in different situations.
La ciudad ofrece una plataforma donde puedes reportar incidentes relacionados con inmigración de forma confidencial y acceder a recursos que explican qué hacer en distintas situaciones.
We welcome your support! Together, we can make a greater impact. If you’re interested in providing resources or becoming a partner, please contact us at: info@hispanicchamberla.com
We welcome your support! Together, we can make a greater impact. If you’re interested in providing resources or becoming a partner, please contact us at: info@hispanicchamberla.com
The Consulate of Mexico in New Orleans serves Mexican citizens in Louisiana and Mississippi. It provides services like issuing passports and identity documents, registering births abroad, and offering legal and community support programs.
The Consulate of Honduras in New Orleans provides consular assistance to Honduran nationals in Louisiana and surrounding states. Services include passport and visa processing, civil registrations, document legalizations, and helping Hondurans living abroad with rights and governmental procedures.
Catholic Charities of New Orleans supports vulnerable families with housing, immigration services, health programs, disaster relief, and resources for children, seniors, and newcomers.
ISLA provides legal representation and advocacy for immigrants in Louisiana, especially those in detention, offering access to attorney services, empowering detained individuals, and fighting unjust immigration practices.
Support immigrant families by connecting them with essential resources, offering temporary shelter, and helping them adapt to the community and local school system.
LA Voz works to improve the quality of life in Latino communities across Louisiana through advocacy, education, culturally competent leadership and organizing community resources.
Unión Migrante is a democratic organization made up of immigrants and for immigrants. We are dedicated to the fight for immigration reform and our rights, to training and education that prepare our community, and to providing defense and support in emergency situations.
Jefferson Parish Schools (JP Schools) provides essential information for families, including school enrollment, student support services, transportation details, and communication updates. For families concerned about immigration enforcement, the site helps ensure that children remain enrolled, supported, and connected to school resources during times of uncertainty.
Free ALAS is a nonprofit based in New Orleans that works to keep immigrant and court-impacted youth in school and out of jail. They train educators, help undocumented students get legal representation, and advocate for students’ rights to education, career opportunities, and freedom.
