Org launches free multilingual app aimed at empowering immigrants in need of help

The National Korean American Service and Education Consortium (NAKASEC) has launched a free mobile app, “Know Your Rights 4 Immigrants,” designed to empower and protect individuals facing growing challenges in the current political climate. With the Trump administration vowing to overturn recent immigration policies, including ending the use of the CBP One app for asylum appointments and reinstating harsher enforcement measures, this resource arrives at a critical time.

How the app works

The “Know Your Rights 4 Immigrants” app is available in 16 primarily-Asian languages and is currently available for iOS users, with an Android version coming soon. The app provides:

Audio recitation of rights: The app can read your rights aloud to ICE or law enforcement agents.
Emergency contact notifications: Users can send an alert to predetermined contacts in case of an emergency.
Know your rights information: The app provides general information about your rights.
Family preparedness plan: Includes a sample plan to help families prepare for potential emergencies.
Consulate information: Provides contact information for relevant consulates.

NAKASEC is also planning future updates based on community feedback. “Along with input from our community on additional languages to include, we are working on creating a feedback section that will allow users to suggest additional changes, a share button so users can share the app to friends and family, and translation of the Family Preparedness Plan into other languages,” a NAKASEC representative told The Rebel Yellow.

Hotline offers immediate support

Recognizing that individuals may need immediate support, NAKASEC has also launched a free, confidential 24/7 hotline for immigration emergencies. Staffed with English- and Korean-speaking volunteers, the hotline provides guidance and assistance to those facing difficult situations. “It is terrifying and often confusing when ICE is at your door or a loved one has been detained,” said NAKASEC Co-Director Jung Woo Kim. “Our hotline volunteers can provide critical support … by helping the individual remain calm, providing information about one’s rights and locating a detained loved one.”

Addressing a hostile climate

NAKASEC emphasizes that this initiative is a direct response to increasing hostility towards immigrant communities. “From the Trump administration’s slew of executive orders and rescinding of Biden-era protections to the refusal of Congress members to act in solidarity with immigrants, the breadth and depth of attacks on our communities is compounding,” said NAKASEC Co-Director Becky Belcore. “We created this app because an individual knowing and asserting their constitutionally-protected rights is one of the best ways they can protect themselves and their loved ones.”

This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter — a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices.

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