It's crucial to understand your rights and know where to find support - before they are challenged. Regardless of your immigration status, you have rights under the U.S. Constitution.
Your Rights as an Immigrant
- Right to Refuse Entry to Your Home: Do not open the door if an immigration agent is knocking on the door. Unless agents have a warrant signed by a judge, you do not have to let them into your home.
- Right to Remain Silent: Do not answer any questions. Do not sign anything. You do not have to discuss your immigration or citizenship status with police, immigration agents, or other officials. Anything you say can be used against you in immigration court.
- Right to an Attorney: Ask for a lawyer. You have the right to speak to a lawyer. If you are detained, you can request to contact your attorney.
- Protection Against Unlawful Searches: Immigration agents cannot search you or your belongings without your consent or probable cause.
Script
- I do not wish to speak with you, answer your questions, or sign or hand you any documents based on my 5th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution.
- I do not give you permission to enter my home based on my 4th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution unless you have a warrant to enter, signed by a judge or magistrate with my name on it that you slide under the door.
- I do not give you permission to search any of my belongings based on my 4th Amendment rights.
- (If you are outside of your home) "Am I free to leave?" If yes, leave calmly, do not run.
Source: Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) Red Cards/Tarjetas Rojas.
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Library card holders get $7 worth of free printing each week. Cards may also be available at Sno-Isle Libraries Citizenship Centers. Supplies are limited.
Local Organizations that Can Help
There are several organizations in Snohomish and Island counties dedicated to supporting immigrants and refugees. Here are a few key resources:
- Refugee & Immigrant Services Northwest (RISNW): This organization offers a wide range of services, including community education, social services support, employment training, ESL classes, and immigration and naturalization services.
- Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP): NWIRP provides legal services and resources to help immigrants understand their rights and navigate the legal system.
- Entre Hermanos: Entre Hermanos attorneys are actively taking cases for both detained and non-detained LGBTQ+ members of the Latino/a/e/x community to apply for asylum and other forms of immigration relief.
- National Immigration Legal Services Directory
How to Get Involved
- Stay Informed: Regularly check the websites of these organizations for updates and resources.
- Participate in Community Events: Engage with local immigrant communities through events and workshops.
- Seek Legal Assistance: If you have any legal questions or issues, reach out to the organizations mentioned above for support.
- Bystander & Observer Guidelines | Guía para testigos y observadores: "In the U.S. everyone has certain consitutional rights and protections regardless of their immigration status or who is president. You have the legal right to film the police and/or immigration officers if they are in a public place and if the filming does not impede the performance of their duties" (WAISN).
- How U.S. Citizens can protect the immigrant community from United We Dream
Additional Information:
- Family Preparedness Plan | 家庭準備計劃 | Plan de Preparación Familiar from ILRC
- Know Your Rights in different situations from the ACLU of Washington.
- Immigrant Safety Plan from Legal Counsel for Youth and Children.
Remember, you are not alone. There are many resources and communities ready to support you. Knowing your rights and connecting with local organizations can empower you.
Information provided by the Sno-Isle Libraries does not imply recommendation or endorsement, is not interpreted and should not be used as a substitute for consultation with a law, engineering, financial, health care, or other professional provider.
