Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about your rights and resources.

• Do I have constitutional rights if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

  Yes. The U.S. Constitution protects everyone within U.S. borders, regardless of citizenship or immigration status. This includes:

  • The right to remain silent (Fifth Amendment)
  • Protection from unreasonable searches (Fourth Amendment)
  • The right to an attorney in criminal proceedings
  • Due process of law

  Learn more on our Know Your Rights page.

• Do I have to open my door if ICE comes to my home?

  No. You do not have to open your door. You can ask through a closed door:

  • "Who are you?"
  • "Do you have a warrant signed by a judge?"

  An ICE administrative warrant (Form I-200 or I-205) does not give them the right to enter your home. Only a judicial warrant signed by a judge allows entry without your consent.

• What should I do if I'm stopped by police?

  Stay calm and follow these steps:

  1. Ask: "Am I free to leave?" If yes, walk away calmly.
  2. You have the right to remain silent. Say: "I am exercising my right to remain silent."
  3. You do not have to answer questions about your immigration status.
  4. If detained, say: "I want to speak to a lawyer."
  5. Do not run, argue, or resist physically.
• Can I refuse a search of my car or belongings?

  Yes. The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches. You can say:

  "I do not consent to a search."

  However, if an officer has a warrant or "probable cause," they may search anyway. Refusing consent does not give them probable cause. Even if they search, your refusal is on record and may help in court.

• How do I find free legal help?

  Many organizations provide free or low-cost legal services:

  • RAICES: 1-800-354-9365
  • National Immigrant Justice Center: (212) 629-6335
  • ACLU Immigrants' Rights Project: (212) 549-1200

  Visit our Local Resources page for more organizations.

• Do I need to show ID to police?

  It depends on your state. Some states have "stop and identify" laws that require you to give your name if police have reasonable suspicion of a crime.

  However, you are generally not required to:

  • Show a driver's license (unless driving)
  • Provide your immigration status
  • Answer questions beyond your name (in stop-and-identify states)

  Check your state's specific laws for details.

• Can I vote if I'm not a citizen?

  No. Only U.S. citizens can vote in federal, state, and most local elections. Voting as a non-citizen is a crime and can affect your immigration status.

  However, there are other ways to participate in civic life:

  • Attend town halls and community meetings
  • Contact elected officials about issues you care about
  • Support voter registration drives
  • Volunteer with community organizations
• What is a "sanctuary city"?

  A "sanctuary city" (or county, or state) is a place that limits cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Policies vary, but generally:

  • Local police don't ask about immigration status
  • Local jails don't hold people solely for ICE
  • City resources aren't used for immigration enforcement

  Being in a sanctuary city doesn't make you immune from federal immigration enforcement, but it may provide some additional protection.

• What should I do to prepare my family?

  Create a family preparedness plan:

  • Designate a trusted contact who can care for children or handle finances
  • Keep important documents in a safe, accessible place (birth certificates, passports, medical records)
  • Memorize key phone numbers for family, lawyers, and community organizations
  • Create a power of attorney to designate someone to act on your behalf
  • Talk to your children about what to do if you're not home
• Where can I get this information in Chinese?

  This entire website is available in Simplified Chinese (简体中文) and Traditional Chinese (繁體中文).

  Use the language selector in the top-right corner of the page, or click below:

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