What to Do When an Immigrant Dies in the US

When an immigrant — whether a citizen, permanent resident, visa holder, or undocumented person — dies in the United States, the family has the same right to a death certificate and burial or cremation as anyone else. Immigration status does not affect these fundamental rights. However, the process may involve additional considerations around documentation, consular notification, and repatriation.

The first step is the same for any death: if the death occurs in a hospital or nursing facility, the staff will handle the initial documentation. If the death occurs at home, call 911 (or hospice if applicable). The funeral home will file the death certificate with the local vital records office. A Social Security number is preferred for the death certificate but is not strictly required — the funeral home can leave that field blank or note "unknown." If the deceased had an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) rather than a Social Security number, provide that instead.

Contact the deceased's home country consulate in the US to report the death. The consulate can help notify family members in the home country, authenticate documents for use in both countries, and coordinate if the family decides to repatriate the remains. Repatriation costs vary widely by country but typically range from $3,000 to $15,000. Some countries' consulates maintain emergency funds or know of community organizations that can help with repatriation costs for citizens who die abroad with limited means.

If the deceased had pending immigration applications (green card, visa renewal, asylum), notify US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to close those cases. If the deceased was the primary immigration petition holder for dependent family members, those family members' immigration status may be affected. Consult an immigration attorney, as there are special provisions that may protect a surviving spouse or child — for example, a surviving spouse may self-petition under the Immigration and Nationality Act if the petitioning spouse dies while the application is pending.

Community resources are especially important in these situations. Many immigrant communities have informal support networks through churches, mosques, temples, cultural associations, and community organizations that can help with funeral costs, translation, childcare, and navigating unfamiliar systems. Catholic Charities, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, and HIAS are national organizations with local offices that assist immigrant families regardless of religious affiliation. If cost is a concern, know that many states offer emergency Medicaid that can cover burial or cremation costs for qualifying low-income families. County indigent burial programs are also available as a last resort in every state.

Immigration status does not affect the right to a death certificate or burial. Contact the deceased's home country consulate — they can assist with notifying family abroad and document authentication. If the deceased had pending immigration cases, notify USCIS.

Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for Social Security survivor benefits but may have paid into the system. Some states offer emergency Medicaid for burial. Community organizations may help with funeral costs. Consider whether the family wants repatriation or local burial.