[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” overlay_color=”” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” padding_right=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding=”undefined” dimension_margin=”undefined” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_text]

FAQS for students, educators & social service providers

[/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”single solid” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”#000″ top_margin=”5px” bottom_margin=”10px” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”#eae9e9″ background_image=”” background_position=”left top” undefined=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_text]During his campaign, President-­elect Donald Trump called Mexican immigrants “criminals” and vowed to build a border wall, rescind the Obama Administration’s DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and DAPA (Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents) initiatives, and “mass deport” millions of undocumented immigrants. Many families feel afraid and confused. Below are answers to common questions about what we know at this point about what a Trump presidency might mean for immigrants.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” center_content=”no” last=”no” min_height=”” hover_type=”none” link=””][fusion_separator style_type=”single solid” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”#000″ top_margin=”5px” bottom_margin=”10px” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_text][fusion_text]I am undocumented / have undocumented family members. Will we be immediately deported?
No. We do not know at this time what approach the Trump Administration will take toward undocumented families. Individuals without status who are present in the U.S. have certain legal and constitutional rights. You have a right to a hearing and to have a judge review your case. That process can take years in some cases, and you can remain in the U.S. until a final decision is made. Other constitutional protections prevent certain enforcement tactics, and may present a basis to challenge overly aggressive attempts at immigration enforcement by the federal government.[/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”single solid” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”#000″ top_margin=”5px” bottom_margin=”10px” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_text]

I have DACA. Will my deferred action be terminated when Trump takes office in January?
The new President may cancel DACA if he chooses. At this time, we do not know if Trump will immediately cancel the DACA initiative or when that might happen. Even if DACA is terminated, whether or not your lawful presence and work permit will cease right away depends on the announcement by the President and how it is implemented by the federal government.[/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”single solid” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”#000″ top_margin=”5px” bottom_margin=”10px” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_text]

I have DACA. Will the federal government use my information to find and deport me?
Deporting over 700,000 DACA recipients would be very time-­consuming and expensive. DACA recipients are also near the bottom of the government’s priority list for deportation. However, Trump’s actions are difficult to predict, so families should take precautions now by discussing other legal options with a qualified immigration lawyer. There would also certainly be a legal challenge to use of private data submitted under DACA for enforcement activity.[/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”single solid” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”#000″ top_margin=”5px” bottom_margin=”10px” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_text]

Should I apply for DACA now?
The answer depends on your personal circumstances, which you should discuss with an immigration lawyer. Some considerations are your age, whether you need deferred action or work authorization urgently, and whether your situation would allow you to wait several months to see what happens to DACA. It is important to consider that applying for DACA will give your personal information to the government and may put you at risk should Trump rescind DACA. It is also important to note that current processing and review times indicate that any application filed now would not result in an answer until after the Trump Administration takes office.[/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”single solid” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”#000″ top_margin=”5px” bottom_margin=”10px” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_text]

Should I renew my DACA application or seek “Advance Parole” to travel as a DACA beneficiary?
If your deferred action is set to expire within 150 days, you should apply to renew it now. If you have urgent humanitarian reasons to travel outside the U.S., you may seek permission to travel by seeking “Advance Parole” with USCIS (Form I-­131). The government already has your personal information, so you are not creating a new risk by applying for renewal unless your situation has changed in a way that you might not be eligible for DACA any more, for example, a criminal conviction. If you travel on “Advance Parole,” be sure to return before January 20, 2017.[/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”single solid” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”#000″ top_margin=”5px” bottom_margin=”10px” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_text]

What will happen with DAPA / Expanded DACA (DACA 2014)?
Implementation of these initiatives has been halted by a lawsuit. MALDEF is vigorously defending these programs in court. However, the new President can rescind these initiatives if he chooses, effectively making that court process moot.[/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”single solid” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”#000″ top_margin=”5px” bottom_margin=”10px” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_text]

I have a pending immigration petition. What will happen with my application?
For non-­DACA applications pending with USCIS, there is no reason to believe that those applications will stop being normally processed according to current laws.[/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”single solid” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”#000″ top_margin=”5px” bottom_margin=”10px” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_text]

How can I find out if I have other options to avoid deportation?
Seek assistance from a reputable immigration lawyer. Avoid notario scams. Visit immigrationlawhelp.org for more information about non-­profit legal service organizations by state.[/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”single solid” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”#000″ top_margin=”5px” bottom_margin=”10px” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_text]

I’ve been placed in removal proceedings. What can I do?
Talk to an immigration lawyer immediately to plan your next steps. You have the right to a hearing before any decision is made about whether you have to depart the country. You also have the right to an appeal.[/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”single solid” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”#000″ top_margin=”5px” bottom_margin=”10px” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_text]

Can my citizenship be taken away if my parents are undocumented?
No. The U.S. Constitution grants citizenship to all people born in the U.S. regardless of their parents’ immigration status. There is not enough support to amend the Constitution to remove birthright citizenship, and any attempt to amend the Constitution would take years and would likely apply only to those born after adoption of an amendment.[/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”single solid” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”#000″ top_margin=”5px” bottom_margin=”10px” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_text]

Will in-­state tuition / admission for undocumented college students end?
No. The laws that provide in- state tuition/admission for students are passed by states and cannot be changed by the President.[/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”single solid” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”#000″ top_margin=”5px” bottom_margin=”10px” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_text]

Should I worry about going to the hospital emergency room?
No. Under federal law, your personal information should be kept private by doctors and staff.[/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”single solid” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”#000″ top_margin=”5px” bottom_margin=”10px” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_text]

Should I still report crime to the police?
Yes. Most police officers are only interested in investigating crime and won’t be interested in your immigration status. If you are a crime victim, you may be eligible for a visa that would allow you to stay in the U.S. Talk to an immigration lawyer about the facts of your case.[/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”single solid” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”#000″ top_margin=”5px” bottom_margin=”10px” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_text]

I plan to file an application for VAWA / U visa/ T visa. Should I wait?
No. There is no reason to delay filing for this relief. It is established in U.S. law and cannot be changed by the President acting alone.[/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”single solid” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”#000″ top_margin=”5px” bottom_margin=”10px” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_text]

What can my family do to prepare for any interaction with ICE, for example, if my workplace is the target of an ICE raid?
The Immigrant Legal Resource Center has created Red Cards that provide information about how to assert your constitutional rights during a raid. Visit ilrc.org/red-­cards for details.[/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”single solid” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”#000″ top_margin=”5px” bottom_margin=”10px” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_text]

My family sends money to relatives in Mexico. Can the government confiscate that money?
No. Companies that transfer money among relatives from the U.S. to Mexico do not track their clients’ immigration status. Even if companies could distinguish between legal and undocumented immigrants in their clientele, seizing funds based on national origin or immigration status would be unconstitutional and would be immediately challenged in court.[/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”single solid” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”#000″ top_margin=”5px” bottom_margin=”10px” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_text]

I’m a Latino immigrant. Does half of the U.S. hate me?
No. A 2016 poll shows 79% of Americans favor providing a way for undocumented immigrants to become U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents.[/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”single solid” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”#000″ top_margin=”5px” bottom_margin=”10px” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” overlay_color=”” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” padding_right=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” dimension_margin=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_text]

Learn how to protect you and your family during immigration raids

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If you are questioned by the Police

[/fusion_text][fusion_text]You have the right to ask the officer if you are being arrested or detained.

1. If the officer says, “NO, you are not being arrested or detained,” ask the officer if you may leave. When the officer says that you may leave, slowly and calmly walk away.
2. If the officer says, “YES, you are being arrested or detained”…

You have the right to remain silent![/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”cont-rose-class” id=”” background_color=”#e9d3d6″ background_image=”” background_position=”left top” undefined=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”30px” padding_right=”30px” padding_bottom=”30px” padding_left=”30px” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_text]

If you are undocumented…

[/fusion_text][fusion_checklist icon=”fa-check fas” iconcolor=”#000000″ circle=”no” circlecolor=”” size=”18px” divider=”” divider_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””][fusion_li_item icon=””]Do not answer any questions or say only “I need to speak to my lawyer.”[/fusion_li_item][fusion_li_item icon=””]

If you have a valid immigration status documents, show it. Always carry it with you.

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Do not say anything about where you were born or how you entered the United States.

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Do not carry papers from another country. (If you do, the government can use this information in a deportation proceeding).

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Show them the Know Your Rights Card attached.

[/fusion_li_item][/fusion_checklist][fusion_text]Above all, do not show any false documents and do not lie! [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” center_content=”no” last=”no” min_height=”” hover_type=”none” link=””][fusion_text]

IMPORTANT!

In some states, it is a minor crime not to provide your name when asked by a police officer.  While punishment for these crimes is minor, you still could be arrested for not providing your name.  Remember that providing your name has risks, and that your name can be used to start a deportation process.[/fusion_text][fusion_text]

If immigration comes to your home …

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If Police or Immigration comes to your home: 

You have the right to see a warrant if the Police Department, FBI, Immigration or other government official tries to enter your home. A warrant is a paper signed by a judge giving the officer to enter permission your home. The warrant will specify the areas that the official has the right to search.

Do not open the door. Ask the officer to slip the warrant underneath the door. If you open the door and allow the official to come into the house, this may be considered giving him/her “consent” to enter. If s/he enters without a warrant, request the names and badge numbers of the officers and say that you did not “consent” to a search. Also, write down the names, addresses and phone numbers of anyone who witnessed the incident.

If the officer has a warrant, observe whether the official searches any other areas that are not listed in the warrant.  Get a receipt for any property taken by the official.

 

If Police or Immigration comes to your workplace:

Immigration must have a warrant signed by a judge or the employer’s permission to enter your workplace. If it is a public place, they do not need a warrant.

Stay calm.  Do not run.  This may be viewed as an admission that you have something to hide.

If Police or Immigration stops you on the street or in a public place: 

If the police or an immigration officer stops you on the street and does not have a warrant, s/he may not arrest you unless s/he has evidence that you are a non-citizen.  Remember you have the right to remain silent and to refuse a search.   Do not say anything about your immigration status or where you were born.  Also, do not carry with you any documents from your country of origin or false documents.  If you have valid immigration status documents, show them.[/fusion_text][fusion_text]

If you are arrested your should…

1. Find out who has arrested you

Write down the name of the officers and their agency (Police Dept., FBI, Immigration, County Sheriff), along with their identification numbers and license plate numbers.  You can find this information on their uniform or their cars.

2.Don’t sign any documents before speaking with a lawyer

You always have the right to speak with a lawyer.  Government officials may try to intimidate you or trick you into signing.  Don’t let yourself be tricked!  You may be signing away your right to a hearing before an immigration judge.

3. Contact your attorney or a family member

You have the right to make a telephone call after you are arrested.  Memorize the telephone number of your attorney, family member, friend or union spokesperson, and contact him/her immediately.

4. Contact your consulate

If you are a foreign national arrested in the U.S., you have the right to call your consulate or to have the deportation officer inform the consulate of your arrest. Ask the deportation officer to see a list of embassies and write down the phone number. The consul may assist you in finding a lawyer or offer to contact your family.

5. Ask for bond

Once you are in immigration custody, ask for bond
(even if immigration says you are not eligible). You have to show that you are not a flight risk or a danger to the community. Also, get a copy of the “Notice to Appear,” a document that contains the immigration charges against you.[/fusion_text][fusion_text]

If you are accused of a crime…

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Ask your attorney to help you get released from police custody

[/fusion_text][fusion_text]If you are arrested by local police, they must charge you with a crime in court within 48 hours (not counting weekends and holidays), or else release you. If police do file criminal charges, then you must still be released if (1) the charges are dropped, (2) you are granted and post bail, (3) you win your criminal case, or (4) you complete your sentence.

The police may contact Immigration to learn more about your immigration status. For example, if you have an outstanding deportation order, the police may inform Immigration that you are in police custody.

Immigration may then place a “detainer” on you, which gives Immigration an additional 48 hours to pick you up. If Immigration fails to pick you up within this time, the police must release you.

If the police don’t file criminal charges AND if immigration does not file a detainer, call an attorney or community organization to help you get released from police custody. They can write a demand letter to the jail or the sheriff.

What should you do if you have been accussed of a crime? 

Consult with an immigration attorney to make sure that the crime will not affect your immigration status.  If you want to apply for citizenship or a permanent residency card (green card), talk to your lawyer.

What should you do if you are facing deportation and you need an attorney? 

Find an attorney who specializes in deportation defense. Always keep with you the complete name and contact information of your attorney.  Request a written contract from your attorney before paying him/her. Make sure your attorney looks at the NTA (Notice to Appear) or your immigration papers before making promises. Don’t be tricked by people who are only after your money![/fusion_text][fusion_text]

Develop a safety plan

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1. Make a plan of action with your co-workers 

[/fusion_text][fusion_checklist icon=”fa-check fas” iconcolor=”#000000″ circle=”no” circlecolor=”” size=”18px” divider=”” divider_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””][fusion_li_item icon=””]Talk with your co-workers to see if they are willing to make a collective decision that everyone – regardless of their immigration status – will remain silent and ask to speak with an attorney in the event of a workplace raid.[/fusion_li_item][fusion_li_item icon=””]

Tell co-workers not to run and to remain calm if there is a raid.

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If there is a union at your workplace, contact your union spokesperson to find out more about preparing for a raid.

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2. Know what documents you should carry with you 

[/fusion_text][fusion_checklist icon=”fa-check fas” iconcolor=”#000000″ circle=”no” circlecolor=”” size=”18px” divider=”” divider_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””][fusion_li_item icon=””]Carry a card with the contact information of your immigration attorney and/or union representative.[/fusion_li_item][fusion_li_item icon=””]

Carry a card, indicating that you wish to remain silent.  A sample card is attached.

[/fusion_li_item][/fusion_checklist][fusion_text]

3. Make a plan to care for your family:

[/fusion_text][fusion_checklist icon=”fa-check fas” iconcolor=”#000000″ circle=”no” circlecolor=”” size=”18px” divider=”” divider_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””][fusion_li_item icon=””]If you have children or elderly relatives, make arrangements in advance for a family member or friend to care for them if you are detained.  Have the telephone numbers of this relative or friend with you at all times and make sure other people know of these plans.[/fusion_li_item][fusion_li_item icon=””]

Make sure you designate individuals you trust to make decisions for you if you are detained. They can help you withdraw money for deportation expenses or pay a mortgage. You can sign a power of attorney agreement to give this power to someone if you are arrested.

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Make sure your family has your immigration number (if you have one) and your full name and your date of birth.  You will find this number on your work permission or your residency card.  The number begins with an “A.”

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Make sure your family knows how to contact you if you are detained. Family members should contact the local office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Detention and Removal Branch if they do not know where you are detained. Ask to speak with the supervisory deportation officer, and give the full name and A# of the detainee. If you do not have the contact information for your local field office, contact the Washington DC Headquarters at 202-305-2734.

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4. Find an immigration attorney:

[/fusion_text][fusion_checklist icon=”fa-check fas” iconcolor=”#000000″ circle=”no” circlecolor=”” size=”18px” divider=”” divider_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””][fusion_li_item icon=””]Find an attorney who specializes in deportation defense who may be able to represent you if you are detained.
Memorize the name and phone number of your immigration attorney.[/fusion_li_item][fusion_li_item icon=””]

Have the names and phone numbers of several good immigration attorneys posted near the telephone at home so family members can call an attorney if you are detained.

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5. Have a copy of all immigration documents:

[/fusion_text][fusion_checklist icon=”fa-check fas” iconcolor=”#000000″ circle=”no” circlecolor=”” size=”18px” divider=”” divider_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””][fusion_li_item icon=””]Keep a copy of all immigration documents that have been filed with immigration with a friend or fam-ily member who you trust.  Also, collect important papers, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates and passports. Place these documents in a secure, easy to find location so that your family can get access to these materials easily.[/fusion_li_item][fusion_li_item icon=””]

Make a list of the names and contact information of any lawyer who has ever represented you.

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Right to remain silent card:

Present the following card to immigration or the police if you are arrested to exercise your right to remain silent and to request an attorney.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_4″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” undefined=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_2″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”#e9ced3″ background_image=”” background_position=”left top” undefined=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”30px” padding_right=”30px” padding_bottom=”30px” padding_left=”30px” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_text]

Know your rights!

If you are detained by immigration or the police:[/fusion_text][fusion_checklist icon=”fa-check fas” iconcolor=”#000000″ circle=”no” circlecolor=”” size=”18px” divider=”” divider_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””][fusion_li_item icon=””]

Hand the card to the official, and remain silent.

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The card explains that you are exercising your right to refuse to answer any questions until you have consulted with a lawyer.

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To whom it may concern:

Please be informed that I am choosing to exercise my right to remain silent and the right to refuse to answer your questions.  If I am detained, I request to contact an attorney immediately.  I am also exercising my right to refuse to sign anything until I consult with my attorney.

Thank you.

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These materials where prepared through
the collaboration of:

CASA of Maryland
Detention Watch Network
National Immigration Project of the National Lawyer’s Guild

Special thanks to Julie Dahlstrom of the National Immigration Project and Juan Carlos Ruiz of National Community Capacity Consultants for their work in developing the contents of these materials.

Layout and Popular Methodology
CASA of Maryland Education and Leadership Department

Illustrations
CASA of Maryland

Silver Spring, MD
Updated February 2008

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