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Know Your Rights

Everyone in the U.S., regardless of immigration status, has certain basic constitutional rights. Knowing these rights helps protect you in many situations:

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General Rights

  • Right to Remain Silent: You do not have to answer questions from immigration (ICE) or police beyond your name.

  • Right to Refuse Searches: Without a valid warrant, you can refuse searches of your home, car, or yourself.

  • Right to an Attorney: If detained, clearly say, "I want to speak to a lawyer."

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At Home (ICE Visits)

  • Don't Open the Door: ICE can only enter with a judge-signed warrant. Ask agents to show it through a window or under the door.

  • Stay Silent: Don't answer questions about your immigration status or birthplace.

  • Don’t Sign or Give Documents: Refuse to sign any paperwork or hand over foreign documents without legal advice.

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In Public or on the Street

  • Stay Calm & Silent: Provide your name if asked, but do not discuss your immigration status.

  • Carry U.S.-issued ID: If you have it, show it. Never use false documents or lie.

  • Don’t Run: Running away could be used against you.

  • Proof of Residence: If you've lived in the U.S. for over two years, carry evidence (e.g., utility bills, medical records).

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At Work

  • Labor Rights: Undocumented workers have rights to minimum wage, overtime, safe conditions, and freedom from discrimination.

  • Workplace Raids: Stay silent, ask for a lawyer, and don't panic.

  • Reporting Abuse: Wage theft or unsafe conditions can be reported confidentially to state labor departments or immigrant worker centers.

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At School

  • Public Education: Children have the right to attend public schools regardless of immigration status (Plyler v. Doe, 1982).

  • Enrollment: Schools cannot ask for Social Security numbers or immigration papers. Only proof of address and vaccinations are required.

  • Higher Education: Connecticut offers in-state tuition and some financial aid to qualifying undocumented students.

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Public Spaces & Travel

  • Freedom to Gather: You have the right to peaceful protest and freedom from unlawful searches.

  • Recording Rights: You can legally record ICE or police in public spaces without interfering.

  • Border Areas: Within 100 miles of borders, Border Patrol may conduct checks. You still have the right to remain silent.

  • Travel ID: Carry valid U.S.-issued ID, if available. Avoid carrying documents from your home country.

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Documents to Carry

  • Valid Documents: Carry U.S. immigration documents or proof of pending cases, if applicable.

  • Avoid Foreign IDs: Leave passports or foreign IDs at home to avoid rapid deportation risks. Carry local or state-issued IDs instead.

 

During ICE Raids (Work/Public)

  • Stay Silent: Do not sign anything. Calmly assert your right to silence and ask for a lawyer.

  • Bystander Actions: Witnesses can document agents' actions safely without intervening physically.

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