Civic Ladder
Civic Ladder

Know your rights

Everyone in the United States has rights under the Constitution, whatever their immigration status. This page explains the basics in plain words. It is general information, not legal advice.

⚖️ We stand for due process and the rule of law, for every person.

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Rights every person has

Due process is for every person

The Fifth Amendment says no person may lose life, liberty or property without due process of law. The Supreme Court has held that this covers everyone in the U.S., including noncitizens, whether they are here lawfully or not (Zadvydas v. Davis, 2001).

A chance to be heard

Since Yamataya v. Fisher (1903), the Supreme Court has said the government can't deport a person already in the country without a chance to be heard. In immigration court you may see the evidence against you, present your own and question the government's witnesses.

Some processes move fast

Not every case goes before an immigration judge. Federal law allows a fast-track removal process for some people, including some who can't show they have been in the U.S. for 2 years. Keep proof of how long you've lived here in a safe place, and talk to a lawyer or DOJ-accredited representative early.

The right to remain silent

You can stay silent. You don't have to tell officers where you were born, your immigration status or how you came to the U.S. Say clearly: "I am exercising my right to remain silent." Silence is legal; lying is not. Rules are different at the border and when you arrive at an airport from abroad.

Protection from unreasonable searches

The Fourth Amendment protects people from unreasonable searches and seizures. You can say: "I do not consent to a search." Saying no may not stop officers, but it protects your rights later. Never physically resist.

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If officers come to your door

You don't have to open the door

Stay calm. You can keep the door closed and talk through it or through a window. Ask who they are and why they are there. You do not have to open the door to see a warrant.

Ask to see the warrant

Ask officers to hold the warrant up to a window or slide it under the door. Check who signed it, whether it comes from a court, and whether it lists your address and the right person's name.

Judicial warrant: signed by a judge

A judicial warrant comes from a court and is signed by a judge. A search warrant lets officers enter and search the places it lists. A court arrest warrant can let officers enter the named person's own home if they have reason to believe that person is inside (Payton v. New York, 1980).

Administrative warrant: signed by an immigration officer

ICE forms such as Form I-200 (warrant of arrest) and Form I-205 (warrant of removal, used after a final deportation order) are signed by immigration officers, not by a judge or a court. They are used to arrest a person. They are not search warrants.

The rules about entering a home

The Supreme Court says the Fourth Amendment draws a firm line at the door of a home. Federal rules say immigration officers need a warrant or consent to enter a home to question people about status. A 2025 ICE memo says officers may force entry with an I-205. That is disputed in court and not settled.

You can say no to entry

You can say: "I do not consent to your entry." If officers come in anyway, with any kind of warrant or none, do not resist or block them. Stay silent. Later, write down names, badge numbers and what happened, and tell a lawyer.

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If you're stopped in public or in a car

Ask if you're free to leave

You can ask: "Am I free to leave?" If the officer says yes, walk away calmly. If not, you are being detained. Stay calm, keep your hands where officers can see them and do not run.

You can stay silent

You can stay silent and say you want to talk to a lawyer. Some states require you to give your name if police lawfully stop you, so check your state's rules. Never give a false name.

Carry your papers if you have them

Federal law requires noncitizens 18 and older to always carry the registration document they were issued, such as a green card, work permit or I-94. Not carrying it is a misdemeanor (8 U.S.C. 1304(e)). If you have valid papers, carry them and keep copies at home.

Registration rule since 2025

Federal law has long required most noncitizens 14 and older who stay 30 days or more to register. Since April 11, 2025, people with no registration document can use free USCIS Form G-325R (final rule June 29, 2026). It does not give legal status. Talk to a lawyer before you file.

Never show false papers

Never show fake or borrowed documents, and never say you are a U.S. citizen if you are not. Both are serious federal crimes and can lead to deportation. If you don't have papers, you can stay silent.

If you're stopped in a car

If you're driving, pull over safely, keep your hands on the wheel and show your license, registration and proof of insurance if asked. Passengers can stay silent. Anyone can say: "I do not consent to a search."

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If you or someone you love is detained

Ask for a lawyer

Say: "I want to speak with a lawyer." In immigration court you may have a lawyer, but the government does not pay for one (8 U.S.C. 1362). You can hire one or look for free help. In a criminal case, you can ask for a free lawyer if you can't afford one.

Find free or low-cost help

The immigration court system (EOIR, the Executive Office for Immigration Review) publishes a list of free legal service providers for each court, and a roster of DOJ-accredited representatives. Get legal help only from a licensed attorney or an accredited representative.

Don't sign what you don't understand

Don't sign any paper you don't understand, and try to talk to a lawyer first. Some papers, such as ones agreeing to leave the country, can affect whether you see a judge or can stay. You can ask for an interpreter.

You can contact your consulate

If you are not a U.S. citizen and are arrested or detained, officers must tell you that you can contact your country's consulate. For most countries it is your choice; for some, officers must notify it anyway. If you fear your home government, tell your lawyer.

Find a detained person

ICE's Online Detainee Locator (ice.gov/locator) searches by A-number and country of birth, or by full name and country of birth. People under 18 are not listed, and a new arrest may take time to appear.

Check an immigration court case

EOIR's Automated Case Information site shows basic status information about an immigration court case. You need the person's A-number (Alien Registration Number, 9 digits) and their nationality.

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Avoid scams

Notarios are not lawyers

In the U.S., a notario or notary public is not a lawyer and can't give immigration legal advice. Neither can immigration consultants or travel agents. Get help only from a licensed attorney or a DOJ-accredited representative.

Government forms are free

Blank USCIS forms are free to download from uscis.gov. Filing fees are separate and go to the government. Be careful with websites that charge for forms or look official but don't end in .gov.

Protect your papers

Don't sign blank forms or forms with false information. Don't let anyone keep your original documents. Keep copies of everything filed for you and receipts for anything you pay.

Check before you pay

You can check that a lawyer is licensed with your state bar. Accredited representatives appear on the DOJ roster. EOIR also lists lawyers and representatives who are currently disciplined.

Report scams

Report immigration scams to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. You can also report fraud by an immigration lawyer, representative or notario to EOIR's Fraud and Abuse Prevention Program.

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Rights at school, work and the hospital

Public school for every child

The Supreme Court ruled in Plyler v. Doe (1982) that a state can't deny children a free public K-12 education because they are undocumented. If a school asks for papers you don't have, ask what other documents it accepts.

Emergency care at the hospital

Under federal law (EMTALA), hospitals with an emergency department that take Medicare must screen anyone who comes asking for emergency care, and stabilize an emergency condition or arrange a proper transfer. They can't delay that care to ask about payment or insurance.

Pay for work you've done

The U.S. Department of Labor enforces minimum wage and overtime laws regardless of immigration status. If you worked the hours, you have a right to be paid for them. You can contact its Wage and Hour Division for help.

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Can't vote? Your voice still counts

You don't have to be a voter to be heard

The First Amendment protects the right to speak, to gather peacefully and to petition the government. You can contact officials, sign petitions and speak at public meetings without being a registered voter.

Contact an official

Call, write or email your mayor, council member, school board or member of Congress about an issue you care about. Our lesson "Contacting an official" shows you how, step by step.

Speak at public comment

Many city councils and school boards set aside time for public comment. A short, clear story about how an issue affects your family can matter. Our lesson "Speaking at public comment" walks you through it.

Join with others

Parent groups, neighborhood associations and faith and community groups let people be heard together. Family members and friends who can vote can also carry your concerns to the ballot box.

Volunteering and donations

Noncitizens may volunteer their own unpaid time on campaigns, but may not help run campaign decisions. Under federal law, only U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals and green card holders may give money in connection with any U.S. election, federal, state or local.

📘 Contacting an official · 📘 Speaking at public comment · 📘 How a public meeting works

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Make a family plan

Choose emergency contacts

Pick two or three trusted people your family can call. Write their numbers down and keep copies at home, at work and in your children's backpacks. Make sure your children's schools have up-to-date emergency contacts.

Memorize a phone number

If you are detained, your phone may be taken. Memorize at least one phone number, and help your children memorize one too.

Plan who will care for your children

Choose an adult who can care for your children if you can't. Many states have standby guardianship or caregiver forms that let a parent plan ahead. Rules differ, so check your state and talk to a lawyer before you sign.

Keep important papers safe

Keep birth certificates, passports, immigration papers and medical records together in a safe place. Tell a trusted person where they are, and keep copies apart from the originals.

Write down your case details

Write down your A-number if you have one, your lawyer's name and phone number, and any court dates. Share them with a trusted person so they can look for you with the ICE locator or check your case.

Talk to a lawyer early

Before anything happens, talk to an immigration attorney or DOJ-accredited representative about your situation. They can tell you what options, if any, apply to you.

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Who to call

Anywhere in the U.S.


Wallet card

I am exercising my right to remain silent.

I do not consent to a search of me, my things, my car or my home.

I do not consent to your entry. Please slide any warrant under the door.

Am I free to leave?

I want to speak with a lawyer.

I will not sign anything without talking to a lawyer.

General information, not legal advice. Laws and policies change; talk to a lawyer or DOJ-accredited representative about your situation.