KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
.jpeg/:/cr=t:14.72%25,l:0%25,w:100%25,h:70.57%25/rs=w:600,h:300,cg:true)
Constitutional Rights
- I wish to exercise my right to remain silent.
- I want to speak with an attorney before answering any of your questions.
- I do not give you permission to enter my private property.
- If you have a warrant, please slide it under the door or hold it up to a window so I can see it.
- I will not sign or hand over any documents.
- I do not give you permission to search my person, property, or belongings.
Your Emergency Plan
Keep a file of all of these documents or a copy of these documents in a safe place. Tell your children, family members and emergency caregiver where to find this file in an emergency.
- State ID, Driver’s License
- Passport
- Social Security Card or ITIN
- Birth Certificate
- Immigration Documents (A Number, Work Permit , Visa, Legal Permanent Residence Card)
- Documents submitted to your attorney
- Documents submitted to immigration
- Documents of Civil Complaints
- Rental Agreements/Mortgage Information
- Marriage/ Divorce Certificates
- Short Term Guardianship or Legal Custody Documents
- Medical Information
- Police Documents/Criminal Record
- Check Stubs
- Asset/Banking Information
On Your Way to Court
Make a Safety Plan
Share your court date and time with a trusted friend
or family member.
Choose someone to be your emergency contact if
something happens.
If you have a trusted U.S. citizen, ask them to go
with you or wait nearby.
People who are not U.S. citizens should avoid being
near court if possible.
Be Prepared
If you can, get help from a lawyer or legal
organization.
Bring all documents your lawyer advised you to
take, and make copies to give to your emergency
contact.
If you missed a past court date or already have a
removal (deportation) order, your risk of detention
can be higher.
During your hearing:
- If the government seeks to dismiss or terminate proceedings, object and tell the judge you oppose termination.
- If the judge terminates your case even after you object, tell the judge you wish to appeal.
If you are arrested:
- If you are afraid of returning to your country, tell ICE about your fear as soon as possible, and repeat it whenever you can. Request a “credible fear” interview.
- Do NOT sign papers you do not understand. Ask for them to be read to you in a language you understand.
Additional Resources
- If you have an open case with USCIS (adjustment of status, citizenship, EAD, etc.), check the status of your case here: https://egov.uscis.gov/.
- If your case is outside of normal processing times, check here: https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/
- If you have any questions related to your immigration status or have had interactions with law enforcement, consider reviewing this list of pro-bono legal service providers from the Department of Justice: https://www.justice.gov/eoir/file/probonofulllist/dl