Source: ACLU
Seven rights,
in both languages.
These apply whether or not you have status. Print this page, or save it to your phone, and make sure everyone in the household knows the wording in item 05.
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01
You have the right to remain silent
You have no obligation to discuss your immigration or citizenship status with ICE agents or other law enforcement, and you do not have to answer questions about where you were born or how you entered the country. This does not apply at international borders and airports, or to people on nonimmigrant visas such as tourists and business travelers.
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02
Show your documents if you have them
If you are not a U.S. citizen and an agent asks for your immigration documents and you have them with you, you must show them. If you do not have papers, remain silent. Never provide fake documents and never lie about your citizenship.
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03
Keep the door closed without a judge’s warrant
You may keep the door closed and ask whether they are immigration officers. Only a warrant signed by a judge allows entry — one signed by an ICE employee does not. Ask them to slip it under the door, check that the address is yours, and remember that officers may only search the areas listed. A deportation warrant does not permit entry without consent, and you keep the right to remain silent either way.
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04
Ask for an interpreter
If the officers do not speak your language, ask for an interpreter before answering anything.
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05
Do not resist — say the words
If agents force their way in, do not resist. State clearly: “I do not consent to your entry or to your search of these premises. I am exercising my right to remain silent. I wish to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.” Everyone in the home has that same right.
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06
You have a right to a lawyer — sign nothing without one
If ICE takes you into custody you have the right to a lawyer, though the government does not have to provide one. Ask for the list of free or low-cost attorneys. Discuss your case with no one but your lawyer, and do not sign anything first — signing can cost you the chance to stay.
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07
Call your consulate
You have the right to contact your consulate, or to ask an officer to notify the consulate of your arrest.
Before anything happens
Four things to
put in place this week.
Preparation · Having this ready makes all the difference in the first 24 hours.
01
A document folder
Passports, birth certificates, A-numbers, every USCIS receipt and notice — copies in one place a trusted relative can reach.
02
Two phone numbers memorized
Your attorney and one family contact. Written on paper as well — phones are taken at intake.
03
A plan for the children
Who collects them from school, who can authorize medical care, and the paperwork that lets them do it.
04
Nothing signed alone
Agree now, as a family, that no one signs a document in custody before a lawyer has read it.
Official sources
Go to the government, not to a rumor.
USCIS forms & fees
Every current form, edition date and filing fee. Always download the form the day you file.
uscis.gov/formsCheck your case status
Enter the 13-character receipt number from your I-797 notice.
egov.uscis.govImmigration court hearings
EOIR's automated system: your next hearing date and time by A-number. Missing a hearing is usually fatal to a case.
acis.eoir.justice.govVisa Bulletin
Monthly priority dates — when a family or employment category is actually available.
travel.state.govICE detainee locator
Find where a detained family member is being held, by A-number or name and country of birth.
locator.ice.govACLU: immigrants' rights
The full know-your-rights guidance summarized above, with printable cards in several languages.
aclu.orgBeware of notarios. In the United States a notary public cannot give legal advice or file immigration forms on your behalf. Ask anyone who offers to “fix” your case for their bar number — and verify it.