What you need to know:
Do not run if you see immigration officers or the police approaching you.
If you are stopped on the street or in a public area, you have the right to remain silent and not answer questions.
In some states, the law says that you must tell the police your name if they ask. See the emergency plan on page 14 for more information and to make a plan that is best for you.
In general, an officer needs a warrant to arrest you. In some situations, you could be arrested if the officer has evidence, you do not have legal status or if you have committed a crime.
In some situations, officers have the right to search you to make sure you are not carrying weapons or illegal materials. Do not resist or fight back.
If you are in an airport or near the United States border, you may be questioned or detained without a warrant. You still have the right to remain silent.
In the past, immigration officers would not stop or detain people in certain public places, including schools, hospitals, places of worship, funerals, weddings, public religious ceremonies or public demonstrations (a march, rally or
procession). This may change in the future. Also remember that you could be stopped on your way to or from these places.
What you need to know:
To enter your workplace, immigration officers or the police need either 1) a valid warrant, or 2) the permission of your employer.
Do not run. If you run, it may lead to you being arrested or detained.
A warrant DOES NOT mean you have to answer questions.
If immigration officers or the police are questioning you and you wish to remain silent, say out loud that you wish to remain silent or show the officers your Know Your Rights card.
Make sure to complete the workplace checklist.
What you need to know:
Different laws apply when you are stopped in your car than if you are stopped on the street.
If you are stopped at a border checkpoint, officers
may search your car.
What you need to know:
Arrests, charges and convictions can affect your immigration status.
If you are at risk for deportation, you should avoid contact with the police.
You have the right to make a phone call.
You have the right to remain silent. Being arrested or detained by the police does not mean you have to answer questions.
You have the right to speak to an attorney. You should request an attorney, and one will be provided for you.
You have the right to refuse to sign anything before speaking with your attorney.
You should not discuss your immigration information with ANYONE other than your attorney while you are with the police. This includes where you were born, how/when you
came to the United States or any criminal history. Say out loud if you wish to remain silent or show your Know Your Rights card.
In some cases, the police may contact immigration or hand you over to immigration. This is why you must not to discuss your immigration information with ANYONE besides your attorney.
You must tell your attorney about your immigration status and your criminal history.
What you need to know:
You have the right to make a phone call.
You have the right to call your consulate.
You have the right to remain silent. Being detained does not mean you have to answer questions.
You have the right to speak to an attorney or accredited representative. You or a family member must contact the attorney or accredited representative. This will not be provided for you automatically.
You have the right to refuse to sign anything before speaking with your attorney or accredited representative.
When you speak to an attorney or accredited representative, it is essential that you tell them about any prior arrests or criminal history even if someone told you it was erased from your record.
A person at risk of deportation should never visit a detention center or voluntarily interact with immigration officers.
Instructions on how to use your Know Your Rights card
Cut out the two copies of the card. Fold them in half.
Make sure to fill out both cards with the name of your attorney and your attorney’s phone number.
Keep both copies of the card with you at all times. If you show immigration officers or the police this card, they make take the card and not return it. This is why it is important to carry two copies of the card at all times.
In the event of a raid or interaction with immigration officers or the police, use this card to help you remember and exercise your rights.
On the front of this card is a statement that you are exercising your right to remain silent. If you are interacting with immigration officers or the police, you should remember that anything you say can be used against you. It is your right to remain silent. To exercise your right to remain silent, show officers a copy of this card or read the statement out loud. You do not need to say the statement word-for-word but you must communicate that you are exercising your right to remain silent.
On the back of the card you will find a list of your rights. Read them often. Be prepared.
To protect yourself, MEMORIZE the information on the card.
Find an attorney or accredited representative who will help you in the event of an emergency. Make sure to speak with the attorney or accredited representative. Do not just write down the phone number without making sure the person will be able to help you.
Get screened by an attorney or accredited representative to determine if you are eligible for another immigration status.
Register with your local consulate.
Register and form a relationship with your church, parish or other religious or community center.
Make a family plan about what to do in the event a family member is arrested, detained or goes missing.
Make copies of all immigration and other important papers for all members of the family. Keep them in a safe place. Make sure a trusted friend, family member that does not live with you or member of the community knows where you keep these papers or make a set of copies for them to keep
Decide who will take care of your children in an emergency. Make sure that person has important information about your children, such as medications they need. Speak to an attorney to see if you should sign any legal documents (such as a power of attorney) to make sure your children are cared for in the event of an emergency. Make sure children born in the United States have passports. More information about Authorization for Nonparent Care of a Child
Speak to your attorney about signing a power of attorney. A power of attorney will allow someone you trust to take care of decisions involving your finances, children and other needs if you are detained or deported.
Save money for rent, food, medications and other needs if you are detained. Talk to your attorney or employer about signing a document allowing a family member to pick up your paycheck if you are detained.
Ask a relative, friend or member of the community to post bond for you if you are detained. This person must be a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (green card holder). A bond to be released from immigration detention is usually $1,500, but it can be more. In most cases, once your immigration case is over, the bond money will be returned.
Review this guide and your emergency plan with your entire family. MAKE SURE EVERYONE IN YOUR FAMILY KNOWS THEIR RIGHTS. You may want to practice exactly what you will say and do in the event of contact with an officer.
Information you must memorize
The phone number of your attorney (also carry a copy of your attorney’s phone number with you at all times)
The phone number of your consulate (also carry a copy of your consulate’s phone number with you at all times)
The phone numbers of family members
Your Alien Registration Number/A# (the number on your immigration documents), if applicable
Your date of entry into the United States
Your immigration status when you entered the United States
Your current immigration status
Your criminal history—including any arrests, charges, the outcome (guilty or innocent), and dates