The Constitution says person, not citizen

• You have the right to remain silent.

  You do not have to answer questions about where you were born, how you entered the country, or your immigration status — not to ICE, not to police, not to an officer at your door. You can say: "I am exercising my right to remain silent." Say it out loud and then stop talking.

• You do not have to open your door.

  ICE needs a warrant signed by a judge to enter your home. An ICE-issued form (I-200 or I-205) is not one — it is signed by an immigration officer, not a judge. Ask them to slide it under the door. Look for a court name and a judge's signature. If it does not have both, you can say through the closed door: "I do not consent to your entry."

• Do not sign anything without a lawyer.

  Officers may present papers that waive your right to a hearing and agree to your own deportation — sometimes described as a way to get out faster. Signing can end your case before a judge ever sees it. You have the right to refuse until you have spoken to an attorney, in a language you understand.

• You have the right to a lawyer — but not a free one.

  Immigration court is civil, not criminal, so the government does not appoint you counsel. You may hire your own or find free representation through a nonprofit. Memorize one phone number now. Write it on your arm if you have to. You may not have your phone.

• You can refuse a search.

  You can say "I do not consent to a search" for your person, your car, or your home. If they search anyway, do not physically resist — say it clearly, remember it, and tell your lawyer. Consent given is very hard to take back later.

• Your labor rights do not depend on your status.

  You are owed minimum wage and overtime. You can file a wage complaint, report unsafe conditions to OSHA, and join a union. Retaliating against you for it is illegal, whatever your employer implies about calling immigration.

• Your children have the right to public school.

  Plyler v. Doe (1982) guarantees every child a free K–12 public education regardless of immigration status. Schools cannot require proof of status to enroll, and cannot report families for it.

• Emergency rooms must treat you.

  Federal law (EMTALA) requires hospitals to screen and stabilize anyone with an emergency condition, regardless of status or ability to pay. Do not let fear of status keep you from care that will save a life.

Print this page. Put it on the refrigerator.

This site is public information, not legal advice. Only a licensed immigration attorney or DOJ-accredited representative can advise on your case.