GSN_Nov-Dec_FINAL_Yumpu

A “Know your rights” refresher for Immigrants
By Joshua Breisblatt
President-Elect Donald Trump has
proposed immigration policies that
are causing anxiety among immigrants
and the immigrant rights
community. Much remains unknown
about how and when these
changes will come but our system of
checks and balances as well as pushback
from the immigrant rights
community will ensure that there
will be limits on what the President-
Elect can do. Regardless, it is always
important for immigrants to understand
their rights.
As a reminder to immigrant communities,
the National Immigration
Law Center released a helpful guide
this week which explains what individuals
should do if they encounter
law enforcement or Immigration
and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
officials.
The reminders include:
• You have the right to remain silent.
You may refuse to speak to immigration
officers.
• Do not open your door (ICE
must have a warrant signed by a
judge to enter).
• You have the right to speak to a
lawyer.
• Before you sign anything, talk to
a lawyer.
• Always carry with you any valid
immigration document you have.
• If you are worried that ICE will
arrest you, let the officer know if you
have children.
• Carry a “know-your-rights card”
and show it if an immigration officer
stops you.
NILC’s “Know Your Rights” guide
also provides tips on where to find
legal help assistance including www.
AILAlawyer.org. They explain how
to report raids and arrests in your
community and recommend everyone
come up with a safety plan
in case an enforcement action takes
place in your workplace or community.
A safety plan should include having
the number of a friend memorized,
telling that friend where they
can find your important documents
including your “A-number,” and
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putting a plan in place for your children’s
care in case you are detained.
It’s also important to avoid “ notaries”
and other unethical people
who make promises about immigration
relief that are fraudulent or that
they cannot deliver on. Continuing
to pay attention to non-profit immigrant
service providers is important
to ensure you receive up-to-date information
on any changes in immigration
policy.
The next few years may be a challenging
time for the immigrant
community. However, it’s important
to educate ourselves and our loved
ones and to continue to stand together.