What to Do When You Have an Encounter with Immigration in the United States
Immigration in the United States is a hot topic, especially at a time when immigration policies are tightening and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, raids are intensifying.
Konecta understands the concerns of many families and wants to provide key information to assist those who may be facing a situation with immigration authorities.
What are the rights of immigrants?
Regardless of their immigration status, everyone in the United States has basic rights guaranteed by the Constitution.
It is essential to know and confidently exercise these rights:
- Right to remain silent: You are not required to answer questions about your immigration status or sign documents without the presence of an attorney.
- Right to an attorney: You may ask to speak to an attorney before answering any questions. If you cannot afford one, you can seek free or low-cost legal help through community organizations.
- Right to deny access to your home without a warrant: ICE cannot enter your home without a warrant signed by a judge. Ask them to slide the warrant under your door. Verify that it has your name and address on it.
- Right to remain silent: You are not required to answer questions about your immigration status or sign documents without the presence of an attorney.
What to do if I am detained by ICE?
If you encounter immigration agents, remain calm and follow these recommendations:
- Do not flee or attempt to escape, as this could worsen your situation.
- Exercise your right to remain silent by saying, “I am exercising my right to remain silent and would like to speak with an attorney.”
- Do not sign documents without legal counsel, as you may inadvertently waive your rights.
- Carry the contact information of an attorney or support organization with you at all times in case you need immediate legal assistance.
If detained, do not discuss your immigration status— provide only your name and ask to contact your lawyer or a family member.
What is migration and immigration?
Migration is the movement of people from one place to another in order to settle in a new destination, either within the same country or between different countries. Displacement can be motivated by a variety of reasons, such as the search for better job opportunities, educational opportunities, social opportunities or fleeing from conflict or natural disasters.
Immigration refers specifically to the act of entering and settling in a country other than one’s country of origin. A person who moves to another country with the intention of residing there is called an immigrant. For example, if a person from Colombia moves to the United States to live there, they are considered an immigrant in the United States.
Emergency Contacts
Princeton Human Services is located at:
- Address: 1 Monument Drive, Princeton, NJ 08540
- Phone: 609-688-2055
This department offers a variety of services, including affordable housing, animal control, demographic and health registration and emergency services.
The Latin American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LALDEF) is dedicated to promoting the rights of immigrants, with a focus on the Latin American community in Mercer County.
LALDEF facilitates access to healthcare, education, legal representation and advocates for the integration of immigrants into the community.
For more information about the services LALDEF offers, you can visit the LALDEF website or contact them directly at:
- Phone: 609-688-0881
- Email: info@laldef.org
- Website: laldef.org
Konecta: An Ally for the Migrant Community
Konecta knows that immigration uncertainty can be challenging! That’s why Konecta offers essential services to support our community, including money transfers, translations, utility payments and assistance with necessary paperwork.
Konecta strives to be a point of support for those who need to stay connected with their loved ones and navigate their lives in the U.S. with greater peace of mind.Staying prepared and being informed is the best way to protect yourself and face any immigration challenge with confidence!
