Every single person in the United States of America, no matter what their immigration status is, has several guaranteed rights under the Constitution of the country. Almost 75% of all immigrants enter the US legally, but still, they can encounter immigration and custom enforcement officials.
Immigration enforcement or the police can stop you for questioning outside your home, at your home, at your workplace, or maybe outside in public. You and your close ones should be prepared to handle these scenarios diligently. Understanding immigration law and your fundamental rights will help you respond properly in such situations.
Know Your Rights – Use a Red Card
Do you tend to forget your basic immigration rights and usually say all the wrong things when an immigration officer approaches you? In such cases, a red card will be really helpful to you. A red card is similar to a business card and it has all your rights according to the country’s Constitution. The card will feature a statement telling the officer that you will opt for the right to stay silent.
Hand the red card to an officer if you come across him in public, or slide the card under your door if they are at your home knocking. If you are an immigrant in America, then you should get this card printed as soon as you can, and keep it in your purse or wallet with you at all times. Get in touch with an immigration lawyer to get your red card printed.
Your Rights When an Immigration Officer Comes to Your Home
At your home, you are entitled to special protection which is not offered at public places. Understanding them properly ensures that you handle immigration officers calmly at home and do not end up in harmful situations. First and foremost, you must stay calm and silent, and record the name and details of the officers.
Don’t open the door if they are knocking, unless they have a proper search warrant with them. Most times, they carry a warrant for deportation which doesn’t allow them to enter your home if you don’t give them permission. If they don’t have a valid warrant, you can opt for your right to remain silent and call an immigration lawyer to help you in this situation.
Your Rights When an Immigration Officer Encounters You Outside Your Home
When an immigration or customs officer stops you in a public place, then there are more constraints and pressures on you. Again, staying calm and asking for their details should be your first move. Respond to their queries in an ideal manner so you don’t end up in a tricky situation. If they don’t have an arrest warrant, they cannot detain you.
Under immigration law, you can stay silent and refuse their search calmly. If they visit you at work, ask your co-workers to stay silent and calm with you. You can also tell your employers to not let anyone in if they don’t have a proper warrant. Same goes for airports, train stations, and other entry ports. If there is no warrant, then officers don’t have the right to detain you on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender, political ideas, ethnicity, etc.
Conclusion – Find a Trustworthy Lawyer
If you have any issues with your documents or queries regarding your immigration status, then a reliable immigration lawyer like Challae Taniel Porter can help you out. They’ll represent you in tricky situations and give you the right advice at all times.
This makes sure that you understand your fundamental immigration rights and if you’re qualified for various legal pathways. Whenever immigration and customs enforcement officers are giving you a hard time, your lawyer will be present to help you out of such troubles so that you are safe.