TIPS

What can I do if immigration stops me on the street?

* Do not run. Stay calm.

* If immigration agents ask you your name, you should say it.  You do not have to answer any other questions.

* Ask if you are free to go. If the answer is yes, leave calmly.

* It is best not to lie or carry false documents with you.

What are your rights if you are arrested?

* You have the right to remain silent. If you wish to exercise that right, say so out loud and ask for an attorney immediately.

* You may request to make a phone call and speak to your attorney. Memorize the telephone number of your lawyer, or of a family member, or of a trusted friend who is in the United States legally.

* You do not have to give any information or answer any questions about your immigration status.

* You do not have to sign any documents.

Remember: It is best not to lie or carry false documents with you.

What can I do if immigration comes to my home?

* You do not have to open the door.

* You can ask the agents if they have a warrant. You can ask the agents to slip the warrant under the door.

* You can confirm that the warrant has been signed by a judge or magistrate. Only a warrant signed by a judge or magistrate allows immigration agents to enter your home to search your home or to arrest someone.

* Remember that a warrant of removal/deportation (Form I-205) does not allow officers to enter your home without your consent.

* An arrest warrant names the person they are looking for. If they only have a warrant, you do not have to allow them to conduct a search of your home.

* If the warrant is not signed by a judge or magistrate, you do not have to open the door or allow them to enter your home.

* If they enter anyway, you have the right to ask them for their names and police badges, and tell them that you have not given your consent.

* Even if the warrant is valid and the immigration agents are allowed to enter your home, or arrest someone, you do not have to answer their questions. You have the right to remain silent, even if the officer has a warrant.

* If you are arrested, you can ask to speak to a lawyer.

Note: If immigration agents take anything from your home, keep a list of what they took and ask them for a receipt for the items.

What can you do if immigration arrives at your job?

* Don't run. If they are not looking for you, running will make you a target.

* If they ask for your name, you should say it, but you do not have to answer any other questions.

* Ask if you are free to go. If the answer is yes, leave quietly.

Note: Immigration does not need a warrant or permission to enter the public areas of a business, such as the dining room in a restaurant. They do need a warrant or a permit to enter areas that are not open to the public, such as the kitchen of a restaurant.

Bring a card with you

You can carry a card with you and give it to the police or immigration, or put it under the door if immigration comes to your home. The card should say:

“I am exercising my constitutional rights.I do not wish to speak with you. I will not open the door unless you have a warrant signed by a judge”.

Ayuda legal para los inmigrantes

Para aprender más sobre sus derechos como inmigrante, pueden visitar la web www.immi.org.

Estos programas ofrecen servicios legales gratuitos o a bajo costo para personas con ingresos bajos:

* Greater Hartford Legal Aid: 860-541-5000.

* Connecticut Legal Services: 860-225-8678

* New Haven Legal Assistance: 203-946-4811.

* Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI)

– Bridgeport: 203-336-0414.

– Stamford: 203-965-7190.

– Hartford: 860-692-3085.

*  Apostle Immigrant Services: 203-752-9068.

* IRIS – Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services: 203-562-2095.

* Building One Community (B1C):  203-674-8585.

* The Jerome N. Frank Legal Services Organization of Yale Law School: 203-432-4800

* University of Connecticut School of Law, Asylum and Human Rights Clinic: 860-570-5165

* Immigration Advocates Network: www.immigrationadvocates.org/nonprofit/legaldirectory.

* American Immigration Lawyers Association: 1-800-954-0254 o www.AILA.org.

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