National Immigration Law Center Factsheet: Rescission of Protected Areas Policies
On January 20, 2025, the Trump Administration rescinded a policy that protected certain areas—such as churches, schools, and hospitals—from immigration enforcement, replacing it with a directive that gives ICE agents unbridled power to take enforcement actions in any of these spaces. Protecting sensitive locations from immigration enforcement is essential to ensuring all our community members can access basic services and support without fear. This factsheet describes what the protected areas policy was, what laws apply to those areas now, and what steps advocates and communities can take to support immigrants in continuing to access critical community spaces and services.
Resources for Immigrants:
Education for Children
Head Start – preschool education, childcare and family services for low-income families. (Proof of low/no income or statement regarding income status from another agency may be needed)”
Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) International Welcome Center –
- Pre-enrollment support to families new to WCPS
- EL eligibility testing and screening of student language strengths and needs
- Initial EL Lau Plan development
- School and community resource connections
- Translation and interpretation services
- Liaison between families, schools, community agencies, staff and WCPS departments
English as a Second Language
Literacy Council of Washington County
15 Randolph Ave,
Hagerstown MD 21740
301-739-4208
Office Hours: Tuesday & Thursday 11am-2pm
Website
Facebook
Provides free one-on-one tutoring for anyone over 18 years old who needs help with literacy skills (reading, spelling, vocab, etc) and help the foreign-born learn conversational English. See attached flyers – one page OR three strip version (cut into strips for posting in smaller places).
English & More
Free daily English classes via Zoom. Contact Virginia Wilson to sign up: virginia.wilson1277@gmail.com.
Hagerstown Community College
Free English classes for all levels offered at several locations, dates and times. Brochure Learn more on their website.
HCC offers ELL CDL B Heavy Truck Drive and Forklift Operator Training – Poster
HCC also offers FREE nursing, phlebotomy and truck driving programs for ESL students.
Faith
Non-English Speaking Church Services in Hagerstown/Washington County
Food, Clothing & Personal Care
WIC (Women Infant Children) – food, formula, education and support for families with children age 5 and under, regardless of immigration status.
Food, Clothing & Personal Care Resources List for Washington County and other food resources can be found HERE. Open to all unless otherwise stated.
General
Comunidad Latina de Washington County
20140 Scholar Dr./ Cita Previa 3rd Floor
Hagerstown, Maryland
(347) 709-0027
comunidadlatina.org@gmail.com
Facebook
RISE Coalition of Western Maryland
Resources for Immigrant Support and Empowerment, located in Frederick, MD
risecoalitionmd@gmail.com
Website
Facebook
Health Care
Community Free Clinic
They have a FT CRNP who does primary care, acute care, etc as well as specialty providers that volunteer monthly at the Clinic. The NP refers to those providers as she feels the need. They also have mental health services and employ two FT therapists. They provide lab services, medication management, and women’s health (although they do not have the ability to provide OB services). Undocumented immigrants are welcome.
249 Mill Street / 235 Mill Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740
Phone: 301-733-9234 / Fax: 301-733-9205
CFC Online: website / facebook
Family Healthcare
Free or low-cost basic medical, dental and mental health care services. Undocumented immigrants are welcome. (Proof of low/no income or statement regarding income status from another agency may be needed)
201 S. Cleveland Ave, Hagerstown
Phone: 301-745-3777
Website: https://familyhch.org/
Washington County Health Department
Numerous health-related services. Undocumented immigrants eligible for most services.
Website: https://washcohealth.org/
Refugees
Do you need help as a recent Refugee to Washington County, Maryland? Then please check out the Refugee Welcome Network page
Maryland Office for Refugees and Asylees
https://dhs.maryland.gov/maryland-office-for-refugees-and-asylees/moras-programs/
Transportation
More Resources
Availability of public resources – latest government documents – 22 July 2021
- Informational Bulletin (https://www.medicaid.gov/federal-policy-guidance/downloads/cib072221.pdf)
- Press Release (https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hhs-encourages-states-educate-eligible-immigrants-about-medicaid-coverage)
“The Wrong Help Can Hurt: Beware of Immigration Scams” – English Korean Spanish
“Immigration Options for Victims of Crimes” – Spanish Chinese Russian
