Introduction

In uncertain times, when immigration policies and personal security can create anxiety, it is essential to know your rights and how to assert them. El Escudo is designed to empower immigrant families by providing the necessary information to defend their rights in various situations, from interactions with authorities to accessing medical services, the workplace, and educational systems. This resource is intended to offer a path toward security, ensuring that individuals know they have the right to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their immigration status.

In this time of insecurity, remember not to panic, that you are not alone; there are allies and resources available to support you in defending your rights and protecting your well-being.

Make Sure to Develop a Safety Plan

  • Preparing important documents, such as identification and medical records: 

    • Create a safety plan including updating emergency contacts at your child’s school.

    • Carry valid identification, such as a municipal ID or state driver’s license, and avoid carrying false documents.

  • How to get last paycheck:

    • Contact your employer's Human Resources department through a trusted contact person, like a family member or attorney, and ask them to formally request your final paycheck on your behalf. 

  • Designating child care and pickup:

    • Designated caregiver you have previously informed, such as your spouse, other parent, close relative, trusted friend, or neighbor, who you have given permission to take care of your child in an emergency situation.  

  • Power of attorney: 

    • Consider granting a power of attorney (POA) to someone you trust who will remain in the U.S. to take care of matters for you on your behalf.

    • You can either grant a general power of attorney to one agent, or you may grant separate powers of attorneys to different people for different purposes. For example, one can handle your financial affairs while another can make decisions regarding your children. The agent entrusted with the power of attorney must be an adult.

    • Write the document to authorize the power of attorney including how long the power of attorney should last and details about the assets such as the names of the banks, account numbers, locations of the assets, etc… Each state may have different legal regulations, so be sure to follow the requirements and consider the possibility of drafting a power of attorney from abroad if absolutely necessary. Keep a copy of all your own records and the agent’s records of all the actions they take under the power of attorney.

    • Generally, a POA starts with a paragraph identifying the state and county where the immigrant is when he or she is signing the form, giving the name of the immigrant principal and the name of the agent.  The next paragraph is usually a list of possible powers the immigrant can give the agent. The immigrant will check off all the powers he or she would like the agent to have.  

    • In general, a POA must always be in writing, and may have to be witnessed by one or more persons, notarized, or recorded at the county courthouse, depending on where, and for what purpose, the POA is being used.

    • “General” POA, Special or Limited POA, and Springing POA. An agent should be a person who has the necessary documentation to be in the U.S. legally if possible, a person residing in the same state the POA will be used, a person who can be trusted to act in accordance with the immigrant’s wishes and be trusted to take the time to manage these responsibilities.

    • WARNING: Be cautious when considering a spouse or intimate partner as your agent. The immigrant’s interests can quickly become opposed if there is a divorce or breakup. Many service providers have seen immigration status used as a means of control and coercion by abusive partners.

    • Some states have a “Statutory form” serving as the model POA form that contains all of the required instructions and information to make it valid and accepted within the state. These states include California, New York, Texas, and Florida. The forms can be downloaded online from the state’s official websites by searching “Statutory form power of attorney” and your state.

    • If a third party is refusing to accept the POA from the agent, consider reaching out to a lawyer and possibly bringing forward a lawsuit if the third party is acting unreasonably. Otherwise, they may bring forward another way to resolve the situation such as filling out the 

    • Key financial items to consider and have organized to be readily available: 

      • Bank

        • Depends on bank. Either close or see if you can access in your home country.

      • Cash

        • Find a U.S. bank with ATMs in foreign countries to avoid problems with carrying cash across the border. Consider sending a bank draft as well since they can be cancelled if lost.

      • Car

        • If selling your car, be sure to put the sale in writing, request the buyer pay in cash, file title and tax forms with the DMV, and communicate the sale to your automobile insurance carrier. 

      • Residential Lease

        • Understand the terms of your lease and if you are responsible for unpaid rent, or if you can sublease to someone else. 

      • Home

        • If you are not familiar with the sales process for your home, consider contacting a real estate agent as it is very important that the sale complies with all laws. To gift your home, you will need to follow a strict process as well of executing a deed, preparing the appropriate paperwork for state and local tax forms, resolve mortgage issues, and register miscellaneous liabilities, such as insurance and utilities.

      • Business

        • To transfer or sell your business, refer to your local rules and regulations by consulting with local city, county, and state agencies for additional guidance on the process.

      • Social Security and Veterans Benefits

        • If your dependents are U.S. citizens, they can continue to receive benefits.

        • If you are lawfully admitted to the U.S. for permanent residence after being deported, any benefits that were unpaid on account of your deportation may be payable when you are readmitted.

      • Collecting Unpaid Wages and Final Paycheck

        • You have the right to wages for any work that you have done regardless of work authorization. If your address changes because of detention or deportation, notify your employer of your new address to send your final paycheck. 

        • If you are not paid your final paycheck, you may make a formal complaint with the Department of Labor or your state labor office. Some nonprofit organizations and your consulate may also be able to assist you.

      • Debts

        • Your debt is not discharged when you leave the country. Many banks and other lenders are multinational and may attempt to collect the debt if it is not paid. 

        • Be sure to contact the lender to notify them of the situation and forwarding address either before or immediately following deportation. Request receipt of your notification to validate that you contacted them.

      • Taxes

        • Even if you are not a lawful permanent resident for immigrant law purposes, you may be a resident alien for tax law purposes.

        • If you are a non-resident alien for tax purposes, complete Form 1040NR or Form 1040NR-EZ at the end of the tax year in order to possibly receive any refund.

        • If you are a resident alien for tax purposes, complete Form 1040 as you would have in the U.S.

        • Failing to file your appropriate tax forms may result in civil and criminal penalties which may disqualify you from ever immigrating to the U.S. again.

      • Moving Property to Mexico

        • “Menaje de casa” is a list of items to be imported into Mexico, specifically. Mexican Customs is very strict and has their own requirements for moving your household goods into the country. For example, you cannot label a box with your kitchenware “Cutlery,” you would have to be specific by saying “10 forks and 5 spoons.” For electronics, the model number has to be written next to the product description. 

        • For a list of what can be imported, visit your local Mexican consulate or visit the official Mexican consulate website for more details.

      • Assets of Minor Children

        • If your child(ren) holds property in their name as a U.S. citizen, the deportation of their parents could disrupt their possession. 

        • Be sure to reference local and state laws to see what age they qualify to own specific types of property such as bank accounts and cars.

        • Creating a guardianship would allow the guardian to take control of the assets until the child is of age.

        • Depending on your state, the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act would also allow another adult to be the custodian for your child’s property until they reach the age specified by your state. Generally, the form would having the following language: 

“I, _____, hereby transfer to _____(name of adult custodian), as custodian for __________ (name of child) [until age ___] under the [state] Uniform Transfers to Minors Act, the following: _____(describe your gift).

If ____ (name of adult custodian) is not able to serve as custodian, I appoint ______ (name of alternate adult custodian) to serve in their place.”

  • “Emancipation” statutes for minors over a certain age in most states would allow them to petition the court to legally be treated as an adult. This means the minor would be allowed to fully own all property in their name and enter into legally-binding contracts. In order to be emancipated, the minor would need to show they are capable to handle their own financial and health-related affairs.

  • Know Your Rights:

    All persons regardless of immigration status have certain basic rights.

    • You have the right to remain silent. 

    • You have the right to speak with an attorney. 

    • You have the right to protections against discrimination. 

    • If law enforcement/ICE shows up at your house, DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR. Ask them to slide the warrant under the door. It has to be signed by a judge and have your name and address. 

    • Never carry false documentation with you (it is a crime). 

    • If you are stopped or detained, state your name and date of birth.

    • DO NOT sign anything! Talk to an attorney first. 

  • Rights at Home:

    • ICE cannot enter your home without a judicial warrant. If agents knock, ask them to slip the warrant under the door or show it through a window.

      Your Rights at Home:

      • Know your rights at home: If ICE comes to your door, you do not have to open the door unless you allow them permission to enter your home or ICE presents a valid signed judicial warrant. If ICE presents a valid judicial warrant, ask them to slip it under the door or show it through a window.

      • You should NOT invite the officer into your home: If ICE tells you they are there to arrest someone or search the home, do not open the door or invite them into your home. Opening the door, even 1 inch, grants them permission to enter and search your home as they may state they have "probable cause" or "suspicion" of something in your home. It is important to also tell this to others in your home, including children. If a child or any other individual opens the door, that may give ICE permission to enter the home.

      • Warrant Protocol: ICE cannot enter your home without a valid search warrant. Talk with the officers through the door and ask them to show you their identification and the warrant. Review the warrant to determine if it is valid:

        • The warrant must be a search warrant: There are two different types of warrant: a search warrant and an arrest warrant. ICE cannot enter your home with an arrest warrant, they must have a search warrant.

        • The warrant must have the correct address: If the address on the warrant is incorrect, ICE cannot search your home, unless you grant them permission.

        • The warrant must have a judge’s signature: To be valid, the search warrant must be signed by a judge. If an immigration officer signed the warrant, it is not a valid search warrant. Without the warrant signed by a judge, ICE cannot search your home, unless you grant them permission.

      • You have the right to remain silent: If ICE has a valid warrant and enters your home, you can choose to remain silent. If you must speak, tell the agent you would like to speak to an attorney before answering any questions. 

    • If stopped on the street, ask if you are free to leave. If yes, walk away calmly. If no, remain silent and request an attorney. 

      Your rights in public spaces:

      • Interactions with Law Enforcement: There are guidelines for dealing with ICE or law enforcement during public interactions. You have rights that protect you, regardless of your immigration status

      • Know Your Rights if approached by ICE or police in public: If approached by ICE or police in public, ask if you are free to leave. If they say “yes”, walk away calmly. If they say “no,” do not run or walk away, stay where you are. 

      • You have the right to speak with an attorney: If the officer tells you that you cannot walk away, and that you have been detained. You should ask to speak to an attorney and then remain silent. You have the right to speak with a legal representative. It is okay if you have not hired a legal representative; you still have the right to consult with one.

      • Documenting the Encounter: Safely record the interaction, if possible. Note badge numbers, names, and details about the situation. Also, contemporaneous notes are notes made at the time or shortly after an event occurs. They represent the best recollection of what you witnessed and can be used in court if they are taken correctly.

      • You have the right to refuse a search: You do not have to consent to a search of yourself and your belongings. State clearly that you do not consent to a search. Officers may continue to search yourself and your belongings, regardless of your refusal. Stay calm and do not resist the inspection, and keep your hands where the officer can see them. Stating your objection preserves your rights. Thereafter, the officer cannot arrest you without a warrant or proof that you have committed a crime.

      • You have the right to remain silent: You do not have to answer any questions without the presence of your legal representative. (In some states, you may be required to state your name if an officer asks you to identify yourself and an officer may arrest you for refusing to do so). You can show the officer your “red card” or tell the officer you are exercising your right to remain silent. If you must speak, only say that you want to talk to your legal representative before answering questions.  

      • Do not lie: You do not have to let them know your immigration status, and you should not lie about your immigration status and/or provide false documentation.

    • Pull over safely and provide requested documents. You’re not required to show ID for passengers. You can remain silent and ask to speak with a lawyer. Officers can only search your vehicle with consent, a valid warrant, or suspicion of criminal evidence. Requirements vary based on state and immigration status.

      Your Rights in Your Car:

      • Stop the car as soon as safely possible

        • After stopping, turn off the car, open the window part way, and place your hands on the wheel.

      • There must be a reason to stop you

        • If a police officer stops you, they must have reasonable suspicion that someone in the car committed a local or state violation or crime. If an immigration officer stops you, they must have reasonable suspicion that someone in the car committed an immigration violation or federal crime. You can ask:

          • Am I free to leave?

          • Are you the police/immigration?

          • Why did you stop me?

      • If you are driving, upon request, provide necessary documentation, which includes driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance

        • If you don't have these documents, you can let the officer know you do not have them or that you are exercising your right to remain silent. Some states do require you to have a valid driver’s license, if driving a vehicle. Failure to do so may result in consequences

        • If you do not have lawful status, you should not provide foreign identification. 

        • If an officer asks a passenger for identification, they do not have to provide it. 

      Consult with a local advocate or counsel to understand when you must produce identification, with exceptions for varying states and scenarios. For example, in most states, you are required to show a driver's license if requested during a traffic stop. In certain situations, such as if you are involved in a legal proceeding or interaction with law enforcement, you may also need to present additional documents like your immigration identification, legal permanent resident card (green card), or visa if you are not a U.S. citizen and to confirm lawful status. Requirements may vary based on local laws, specific circumstances, or your immigration status.

      • If the officer says they have a warrant, ask for identification and review the warrant

        • Search warrant: Officers can search your car if (1) you give consent, (2) they have a search warrant that specifies that exact car to be searched and the warrant is signed by a judge and not an immigration officer, or (3) they believe your car contains evidence of a crime. 

        • Arrest warrant: If an ICE officer has an arrest warrant, they can arrest the person named on the warrant. An arrest warrant does NOT give ICE permission to search your car. 

      • You have the right to remain silent

        • You can exercise your right to remain silent by showing your Know Your Rights card or telling the officer you are exercising your rights to remain silent. If you must speak, say you would like to speak to an attorney before answering questions.

    • As an employee, you have rights protecting you from discrimination based on national origin, immigration status, and other factors. Employers cannot treat you unfairly due to these factors. Federal laws, including the INA, Title VII, and the ADA, protect workers from such discrimination. If you face discrimination, you can file a complaint with the appropriate agency.

      Your Rights in Your Place of Work:

      • Employee’s Rights: You have specific rights that protect you from unfair treatment and discrimination. These rights include protections against discrimination based on national origin, immigration status, and other protected characteristics.

      • Employment Discrimination: It is illegal for employers to discriminate against you based on your national origin or immigration status. Employers cannot:

        • Require you to speak English when speaking privately with a co-worker.

        • Demand extra documents beyond what is required on the Form I-9 for hiring purposes.

        • Enforce rules or policies differently because you are an immigrant or refugee.

        • Terminate your employment due to the expiration of your green card or work permit if you are still a lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee.

        • Pay you lower wages or offer fewer hours due to your national origin.

        • If you experience discrimination at work, you should reach out to local organizations or agency that investigate discrimination such as the Fair Employment Practice Agencies and Dual Filing (FEPAs) and/or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

      • Federal laws protect workers from discrimination based on immigration or citizenship status, including undocumented workers, through several key statutes: 

        • Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), as amended by the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) of 1986, prohibits employment discrimination based on immigration or citizenship status and prevents document abuse, where employers request unnecessary or excessive documents to verify employment eligibility.

        • Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects employees from discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, and national origin in workplaces with 15 or more employees. It also extends protection to undocumented workers against discrimination related to national origin, race, or other factors.

        • The Equal Pay Act of 1963 (EPA) ensures that workers performing equal work are paid the same wage regardless of sex, and applies to all employees, including undocumented workers.

        • Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA) protects individuals 40 years or older from age-based discrimination in the workplace.

        • Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) prohibits discrimination against workers with disabilities, applying to all employees, regardless of immigration status. 

      • Here are different rules for filing a discrimination complaint, and they can vary depending on the law involved: 

      • Filing Deadlines: Each law has its own time limit for when you can file a complaint. For example:

        • Under Title VII, you usually have 180 days to file, but you may have 300 days if a local agency is involved.

        • Under the INA/IRCA, you typically have 180 days to file a discrimination charge.

      • Who Is Protected: Protection depends on who you are and your status. For example:

        • Title VII covers workplaces with 15 or more employees.

        • INA/IRCA covers workers in places with 4 or more employees.

      • What You Can Get: If you win a discrimination case, you may receive:

        • Reinstatement (getting your job back),

        • Back pay (wages you lost),

        • Damages (compensation for harm caused),

        • Changes to workplace policies.

        • It’s important to know the rules, deadlines, and possible remedies before you file a complaint.

      These laws ensure workers are protected from discrimination in various forms, regardless of their immigration status, as long as the employer has the required number of employees. The INA/IRCA specifically addresses immigration status discrimination, while Title VII and other laws cover broader employment discrimination protections.

      • Immigration and ICE Interactions: If ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) comes to your workplace, it is important to stay calm and silent. Remember your rights, which includes: 

        • The right to remain silent. You do not have to answer any questions without the presence of your legal representation. In some states, you may be required to state your name if an officer asks you to identify yourself. 

        • The right to speak to an attorney. If an officer asks you that you cannot walk away and that you are detained, you should ask to speak to an attorney and then remain silent. It is okay if you have not hired a legal representative; you still have the right to consult one. 

        • You have the right to refuse to form a line. If officers tell you to form a line based on immigration status, you have the right to stay where you are or move to a place that is not designated for a particular group of employees. You can let officers know that you are invoking your rights to remain silent. If you are forced to move, do not resist. 

        • You are not required to present any identification documents to ICE, nor do you need to disclose your country of nationality. Never provide false information or documents. 

    • If ICE appears at a school, verify the court order, ensure it specifies individuals' names, and limit ICE actions. Contact a lawyer for guidance. Parents should name a guardian and update emergency contacts. Undocumented students have rights to public education, freedom from discrimination, and protections, including remaining silent and contacting their consulate.

      Your Rights at School and/or University:

      • What should staff do if ICE arrives? 

        • Verify the Warrant: Ask ICE to present a valid signed judicial warrant signed by a judge. Do not accept an administrative warrant. Ensure it specifies names and details of individuals ICE is seeking.

        • Check for Specific Names: Ensure the warrant clearly names the individuals ICE is looking for. A general warrant for broad access is not acceptable.

        • Limit ICE’s Actions: Only allow ICE to search or detain individuals who are named in the warrant. Do not permit them to question or detain others.

        • Contact Legal Counsel: Immediately contact legal counsel to verify the validity and scope of the warrant. Follow their guidance on the next steps.

        • Restrict ICE’s Access: Limit ICE’s access to only the areas or information specified in the warrant. Do not allow them to access anything beyond what is detailed in the document.

      • For parents: 

        • Parents should appoint a guardian for their children. Parents should update their emergency contact list and add as many names as possible, including citizens if at all possible.

      • For schools in general: 

        • Schools need short term placements for students who arrive home and their parents have been detained by ICE. Teachers could possibly fill this role.

      University:

      Undocumented students in the United States have rights, including the right to public education, freedom from discrimination, and protection under the Equal Protection Clause. They also have the right to remain silent and refuse consent to searches.

      Rights:

      • Remain silent: You have the right to remain silent and not answer questions about your immigration status.

      • Refuse consent: You have the right to refuse consent to searches of your person, home, or car.

      • Call your consulate: You have the right to call your home country's consulate if you are not a U.S. citizen.

      • Access to public education: You have the right to attend public schools.

      • Protection from discrimination: You have the right to be free from discrimination based on national origin.

      • Access to bilingual education: You have the right to access bilingual education or accommodations.

      Additionally, if your university has a program or center for undocumented students that offers legal services, we encourage you to reach out to them for assistance and further information on your rights.

    • At ports of entry, airports and the border, you can encounter Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), or Transportation Security Administration (TSA). You have rights when interacting with them.

      Your Rights at the Airport:

      At ports of entry, airports and the border, you can encounter Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), or Transportation Security Administration (TSA). You have rights when interacting with them.

      • Immigration can question whether you have lawful immigration status and whether you are admissible to the United States: You have the right to remain silent, but refusing to answer routine questions could delay you or cause you to be taken into secondary inspection. 

      • Immigration can search your belongings for contraband: Officers do not need a warrant or probable cause like in any other contexts. However, you cannot be selected for a search based on your religion, race, national origin, gender, ethnicity, or political beliefs. Be sure to remember anything an officer says regarding why they are searching you and/or your belongings.

        • Strip Searches: Officers can only perform a strip search in a private space if they have reasonable suspicion of an immigration crime or violation. 

        • Electronic Devices: Officers may ask for passwords for your electronic devices.

          • If an officer confiscates your electronic devices, get a receipt and write down the officer’s name, agency, and badge number. 

      Immigration may take you into secondary inspection: Secondary inspection involves going to another room where you will be asked more questions. You should be treated with dignity and respect. Officers take the position that you are not entitled to an attorney, but we encourage you to ask to call your attorney. If it becomes clear that you are under arrest or being investigated for a crime, you should ask to speak to an attorney and then exercise your right to remain silent.

      • Immigration may take your fingerprints: Visitors and lawful permanent residents are generally fingerprinted upon entry from abroad. 

    • The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects the privacy of health information for all individuals, including immigrants. HIPAA also gives individuals control over how their health information is used. 

      Your Rights as a Patient Seeking Medical Services:

      • The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects the privacy of medical information of all people, including immigrants. HIPAA also gives people control over how their health information is used.

        • Protections under HIPAA:  

          • HIPAA protects health information that is individually identifiable. This includes demographic information and information about a person's physical or mental health. 

          • HIPAA allows for necessary access to health information while protecting public health.  

      • While immigrants have the same fundamental rights as any other patient, there are additional protections and considerations specific to their status.

        • Access to Care

          • Right to access emergency services, regardless of immigration status.

          • Right to timely medical care, including for urgent or non-urgent needs.

          • Right to continuity of care, including for long-term health conditions.

        • Privacy

          • Right to privacy and confidentiality, including protections against unauthorized disclosure of immigration status.

          • Right to control who sees their medical records, with medical information separate from immigration records.

          • Right to request amendments to medical records to ensure accuracy.

        • Decision-making

          • Right to make informed decisions about care without fear of discrimination based on immigration status.

          • Right to refuse treatment, with clear communication of risks and benefits.

          • Right to include family members, regardless of immigration status, in care decisions.

        • Respect

          • Right to be treated with respect and dignity, free from discrimination based on immigration status.

          • Right to be free from discrimination in the healthcare setting due to immigration status, ethnicity, or language.

          • Right to know the names and roles of healthcare providers.

        • Other Rights

          • Right to get a second opinion, regardless of immigration status.

          • Right to know about any conflicts of interest that may impact care decisions.

          • Right to change doctors, hospitals, or hospice providers without fear of retribution for immigration status.

          • These rights ensure that immigrant patients receive fair, respectful, and compassionate care. Healthcare providers must uphold these protections, regardless of the patient’s immigration status.

      • Patient rights vary by state, but many states have laws that protect patients. Federal law also guarantees some of these rights. 

      • Important to keep in mind: 

        • As of November 1, 2024, a Texas mandated order GA-46, requires hospitals to ask patients about immigration status to track costs for undocumented care and report data quarterly, while still providing emergency care regardless of status. This mandated order could be replicated by other states. 

        • What you need to know:

          • Does not require patients to answer questions about their immigration status or lawful presence in the US. 

          • Hospitals are required to inform patients that any response to these questions will noy affect patient care. 

          • You have the right to decline to answer when you are asked about your immigration status. 

          • There are no legal consequences should you choose not to respond

    • If arrested and detained, you have rights: remain silent, request a phone call, refuse to sign documents, and seek legal representation. You can contact your consulate, inform immigration of child care responsibilities, request bond, and inquire about detention conditions. You have the right to healthcare and a copy of detention standards.

      Your Rights in Detention Centers:

      If you are arrested and placed in immigration detention, you have rights that can help protect you:

      • Right to Remain Silent:

        • You do not have to answer questions about where you were born, how you entered the U.S., or how long you've been here. Anything you say could be used against you later, so it’s better to stay silent.

      • Right to a Phone Call:

        • Make sure to provide your “A” number (immigration number) to a trusted family member or friend. This can help them locate you and find legal assistance.

      • Right to Refuse to Sign Documents:

        • Never sign anything, like voluntary departure or removal orders, without consulting a lawyer. Signing could give up your right to stay in the U.S.

      • Right to Legal Representation:

        • While the government won’t provide or pay for a lawyer, you are entitled to hire one. If you can’t afford one, ask for a list of free or low-cost legal services.

      • Right to Legal Help During Immigration Conversations:

        • You have the right to legal representation when speaking with immigration authorities. A lawyer can visit you in detention and represent you during immigration hearings.

      • Right to Contact Your Consulate:

        • Immigration must allow you to contact your consulate upon request, or at least inform them of your arrest. Your consulate can help with legal aid and advice.

      • If You Care for Children:

        • If you are responsible for caring for children, inform immigration officers. You should be given time to arrange care for them. Ideally, you should have a plan in place with the caregiver ahead of time, and ensure the school has the necessary documents if your children are enrolled.

      • Right to Request Bond:

        • You may be eligible for release on bond while awaiting your immigration case. If denied bond, you can ask for it to be reduced. If you can’t afford the bond, contact a bond fund.

      • Know the Conditions of Detention:

        • Detention facilities must meet certain standards, including safety, access to medical care, food, water, sanitation, and the ability to file complaints. You have the right to receive a copy of these standards.

      • Right to Health Care:

        • You are entitled to mental and physical health care, regardless of your gender, sexuality, or sexual identity.

    • Detention, charges, and convictions can affect immigration status. If arrested, exercise your rights: remain silent, request a phone call, speak to a criminal defense lawyer, and inform them of your immigration status. Don’t sign anything without legal advice, and consult an immigration lawyer about potential deportation risks. 

      Your Rights in Police Custody/Jail:

      • Avoid police contact if possible: 

        • If you're at risk of deportation, try to avoid interacting with law enforcement. If contact does happen, assert your rights and seek legal advice immediately.

      • Consult with an attorney:

        • If you've been charged with a crime, your criminal defense attorney must inform you if your charges or any plea deal could lead to deportation. They should work with an immigration attorney who specializes in criminal-immigration cases to fully explain the risks.

      • Right to a phone call:

        • You have the right to contact a family member or friend and let them know you've been arrested. They can help find an attorney for you.

      • Right to an attorney: 

        • Request to speak with your criminal attorney, or if you don’t have one, ask for a public defender. While the government will appoint a criminal attorney, they won’t cover the cost of an immigration attorney, but you can hire one.

      • Right to remain silent: 

        • You do not have to answer questions during an arrest. Do not discuss your immigration status or criminal history with anyone except your attorney.

      • Tell your attorney about your immigration status and criminal history: 

        • This helps ensure you get the best legal advice.

      • Right to refuse to sign documents: 

        • If asked to sign anything, tell them, “I will not sign anything until I speak with my attorney.” Make sure you understand what you're signing before agreeing.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

  • It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.