Know your Immigration Rights

If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is important to be prepared, know your rights, and know what to do.

WHAT TO DO

Remain calm.
Don’t provide any false documents or lie to the officer.
Ask for a warrant. ICE needs a valid warrant signed by a judge to enter your home or search through your belongings. You do not have to open the door if you do not see the official produce a warrant.
If an immigration official stops you while you’re in public and you are not a citizen but have your immigration papers on you, you must show the official if they request them.
Under the 5th Amendment of the Constitution, everyone has the right to remain silent. Until you speak with a lawyer, you do not have to provide personal information or anything that might incriminate yourself. This could include place of birth, legal status, or criminal history. Do not sign any paperwork you do not agree with or fully understand. Always consult an attorney first.
Regardless of your legal status, everyone has the right to due process and a case heard by a judge.

For information on pro-bono legal services in Virginia, visit this page.

MAKE A PLAN

Make sure to carry copies of your important documentation on you. Keep the original copies in a safe and secure place, and make sure your family or loved ones know where they are in the event they need to access them.
Have everyone in your household write down and memorize emergency contact information, and if necessary organize emergency care for children.
Memorize your immigration number and make sure your family either writes it down or memorizes it.

My staff and I are only able to provide casework assistance for immigration cases that are already open. If you’re unsure of your immigration case’s status, click this link to check. We can submit inquiries asking for federal agencies to follow up on:

Immigrant Visa Applications
Non-Immigrant Visa Applications
Asylum Cases
Employment Authorization
DACA and TPS Cases
Citizenship, Naturalization, and Oath Ceremony

In order for our office to act on your behalf with a federal agency, we need a completed privacy release form. Please click on this link and follow the instructions to request casework services.

If you have questions or need any additional assistance, my office is always here to help. Contact us directly by calling my Richmond office at (804) 486-1840, or send us an email.