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LIFE-SKILLS ENGLISH FOR NEW IMMIGRANTS: TALKING TO THE POLICE 1
VOCABULARY BUILDER:
Police report = Official record of a crime (or potential crime) that was committed
To lock someone up = To put someone in jail/prison
Assailant = Someone who commits a crime
DUI = Short for "driving under the influence"(of alcohol); refers to drunk driving
Domestic dispute = Family-related argument/trouble, etc.
EXERCISE/VOCABULARY PRACTICE TEST:
Complete each of the sentences below with one of the following words: tall, accident, thief, identification, witness, noise, break in, hit, legally, stole.
THINGS TO LISTEN FOR:
Were there any witnesses? = Did anyone else see what happened?
You'll have to pay a fine. = You will have to pay a penalty for doing something wrong.
You'll have to come down to the station. = You will have to go to the police station.
We've received a noise complaint. = Someone complained that you're being too loud (music, etc.).
Did the other driver leave the scene of the crime? = Did the other driver leave the place where the accident happened?
Can I see some ID? = Can you show me some identification?
RESOURCES FOR NEW IMMIGRANTS: TEXAS (USA)
(Check our other exercises below for resources in other places.)
Here's a comprehensive guide to resources for new immigrants in Texas - including legal help, social support, language access, local programs, and other useful services.
LEGAL AND IMMIGRATION ASSISTANCE
Texas Immigrant Rights Hotline
A volunteer-staffed immigration law hotline that can answer basic questions and help connect you to local legal services.
Non-profit legal service providers:
These groups offer free or low-cost immigration legal support - including help with asylum, family petitions, naturalization, DACA, U-Visas, T-Visas, VAWA cases, and more:
• RAICES (Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services) - Largest immigration legal services agency in Texas with legal and social support services.
• American Gateways - Legal help for low-income immigrants (Central Texas region).
• Catholic Charities - St. Frances Cabrini Center (Houston) - Free info sessions, citizenship workshops, consultations, and application assistance.
• Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA) - Free civil legal services (including some immigration help) across a wide service area.
• Human Rights Initiative of North Texas (HRI) - Free legal & social services for refugees and immigrants (North Texas).
Other legal support and directories:
Immigration Law Help Directory - Find nonprofit legal aid providers in your area.
Texas Law Help - Statewide portal with free legal information and self-help tools.
LOCAL AND COUNTY-LEVEL IMMIGRATION SUPPORT
Immigrant Legal Defense Funds
Some Texas localities have immigration legal defense funds that support deportation defense and representation for low-income immigrants:
• Harris County Immigrant Legal Services Fund (Houston area)
• Bexar County Immigrant Legal Defense Fund (San Antonio area)
• Additional smaller programs in Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas support nonprofit legal partners.
SOCIAL, COMMUNITY, AND INTEGRATION SUPPORT
Community & Social Services
Public libraries across major cities (Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, etc.) often offer ESL (English) classes, citizenship prep, computer classes, and community referrals.
LANGUAGE, EDUCATION, AND INTEGRATION
English & Citizenship Learning
Libraries and community groups in large metro areas offer free or low-cost ESL (English as a Second Language) classes and citizenship workshops (e.g., through Catholic Charities in Houston).
Some nonprofit and volunteer programs connect English learners with tutors and conversation groups.
HEALTH AND PUBLIC BENEFITS ACCESS
While eligibility for public benefits varies by immigration status and federal/state rules, various resources can help you understand what you might qualify for in Texas. Organizations like the National Immigrant Women's Advocacy Project (NIWAP) provide guidance on public benefits access for immigrant families and survivors of crime.
PRACTICAL STEPS WHEN YOU'RE NEW IN TEXAS
• Contact local legal services early: Call RAICES, American Gateways, or other nonprofits as soon as possible - many offer consultations or clinic days.
• Use hotline support: The Texas Immigrant Rights Hotline can be a first step to find a reputable provider.
• Visit public libraries: They're a good place to start for free educational and integration resources.
• Ask about immigrant defense funds: In Harris, Bexar, and other counties, local funds may provide legal support if you're in deportation proceedings.
