Everyone in the U.S. has certain rights guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution, regardless of your immigration status. You can’t always control whether you will come in contact with immigration or law enforcement. It is important to know and practice these scenarios so that you and your friends, family, and colleagues are prepared for any situation. Understanding what your fundamental rights are and how to use them will help you advocate for yourself and respond appropriately if you encounter the police or immigration enforcement.
Check out our chat with Jose Chapa from the Immigrant Defense Project
Are you worried about remembering your rights or saying the wrong thing when approached by immigration enforcement officers? Red cards are like helpful business cards that you can hand to an officer if he/she approaches you in public or slide under your front door if he/she knocks and begins to ask questions. Red cards are printed with your rights under the Constitution, and a statement that you are exercising your right to remain silent.
In any interaction with law or immigration enforcement, the most important practices to remember are:
Your home carries with it special protections that public spaces do not. Understanding what those are (and aren’t) can help you navigate stressful encounters with immigration enforcement on your doorstep, and potentially avoid harm.
In any interaction with law or immigration enforcement, the most important practices to remember are:
Encountering immigration officers outside of your home can come with additional pressures and constraints. Make sure that you are familiar with your rights, and practice responding to requests so that if you are ever in a position where you are being questioned, you can remain calm and respond appropriately.
It is important to be prepared and to know your rights and your family’s rights in case of a raid or other encounter with ICE or local law enforcement.
Everybody has rights under the U.S. constitution that you may exercise in such a situation. There are also a number of steps you can take ahead of any encounter to minimize panic, family separation, and loss of financial assets. The below guides provide helpful information on preparing as well as responding to a raid in your home, workplace, or in a public space.
Find more information and resources on how to prepare yourself for an immigration raid here.
Lawful permanent residents have a number of rights under the Constitution and existing immigration law. Only an immigration judge can take away your permanent residence. Never sign anything giving up your status without consulting a lawyer.
Lawful permanent residents have
If you are convicted of a crime, your lawful permanent residence status can be taken away, but only an immigration judge can make this decision.
If you are undocumented or have questions about your immigration status, you should immediately seek out an immigration attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative to represent and advise you. Immigration law is complicated, and an attorney can help you understand if you qualify for existing legal pathways, or if you should set up legal guardians for your children in case anything happens. It is estimated that 1.2 million undocumented people may be eligible for some form of immigration relief, so seek counsel.