Asset Protection Strategies for Immigrant Families in Uncertain Times: Insights from Immigration Attorney Evelyn Suero

Right now, immigrant families—especially Latino families—across the U.S. are facing a storm of uncertainty. Even I, who was born here, am walking around carrying my passport for fear I might get stopped by ICE. And one of my staff members was followed by ICE the other day. It’s not a good scene here in Southern California. 

For many, the fear of deportation and new immigration enforcement threats are very real. Racist sentiments against our community are unabashedly shared on social media channels and people are selling merchandise for the so-called “Alligator Alcatraz” detention center (or concentration camp) in the Everglades in Florida. 

In these times, not knowing how to protect what we’ve worked for is overwhelming. That’s why I invited Miami-based immigration and estate planning attorney Evelyn Suero of Suero Law, PLLC, to join me for a powerful conversation on the Wealth Gap Warriors podcast, which will be released soon. 

Evelyn’s not just a legal expert—she’s a member of our community who understands the issues we face. Born to a Dominican father and Puerto Rican mother, raised in the melting pot of New York City, and educated at an Ivy League law school, Evelyn has built a career helping small business owners, immigrants, creatives, and families navigate the complex web of immigration, business law, and estate planning.

Here’s what we unpacked during our conversation—and what every immigrant and first-gen family needs to hear right now. 

Asset Protection Starts with Awareness

Evelyn reminds us that immigrants—documented or not—can legally own property, businesses, and financial assets in the U.S. The key is protecting those assets in case something happens. Whether it’s a sudden deportation order, medical emergency, or legal challenge, you need a plan in place.

Start thinking of yourself as an international investor. Many foreign nationals purchase property and open businesses here in the U.S. without ever living here. The legal protections available to them are available to you, too—you just need the right tools in place. Those tools include: 

1. Power of Attorney. Designate someone you trust—spouse, adult child, business partner—who can act on your behalf to manage property, access bank accounts, or sell assets. Limited powers of attorney are ideal for specific tasks and cost very little to create through online platforms or legal aid clinics.
2. Revocable Living Trusts. Think of a trust as a set of instructions for how to manage your assets if something happens to you. You can continue managing your property while alive, and appoint someone to take over if needed—no court involved. It’s ideal for families with children or small business owners.
3. Smart Business Structuring. If you own a business, revisit your operating agreement. Make sure it allows for successors or includes a plan if you’re forced to step away. Don’t get caught off guard—build in legal protections now.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

But even when you have the best intention, Evelyn notes that too many families make common mistakes, such as:

• Adding kids to property titles, which can trigger taxes, lawsuits, or disqualify them from benefits later.
• Naming minor children as life insurance beneficiaries, which delays payouts and triggers court processes.
• Gifting property without planning, which may lead to massive gift or estate tax penalties. 

Instead, work with a qualified estate planning attorney—ideally one who understands immigration and speaks your language.

What If You Can’t Afford an Attorney?

Attorneys can be pricey, but Evelyn offered the following tips if you can’t afford an attorney. 

• Start with a paid consultation. For a small hourly fee, you can speak to an attorney who will give you solid guidance and options.
• Look into nonprofit legal services. Many organizations offer discounted or even free estate planning for immigrant families.
• Use trusted online platforms like LegalZoom or RocketLawyer for basic documents—but only after consulting with someone who can confirm your situation is appropriate for DIY.

Be cautious: notarios or scammy services may charge thousands for what should cost a fraction. If someone’s charging $2,500 for just a power of attorney, walk away.

Don’t Let Fear or Misinformation Lead to Inaction

As Evelyn said, not everyone needs a Delaware trust or complex asset structure—but everyone needs a plan. And if you’ve worked hard, started a business, bought a home, or raised a family here, you have something worth protecting.

This moment is calling on us to take a step back, breathe, and make smart, intentional decisions. Not out of panic—but out of love for our families and everything we’ve built.

This episode will be released soon, and because things are changing so fast, we’re going to have part two where we’ll dive even deeper into tax consequences, trust structures, and what’s changing week by week in immigration law.

In the meantime, please share this blog with friends, family, or anyone who needs this information, and subscribe to my podcast so you don’t miss this episode. 

Have questions for Evelyn? Email your questions to my team at info@louisbarajas.com 

Together, we can protect our dreams—one step at a time.