Even if you’re very careful and try to follow all the rules, you may come into contact with the police at a traffic stop, at your home or on your job site. If you do, they may ask about your immigration status. Here’s what to do.
Use Your Right to Remain Silent
On TV, you may have seen the police reading people their rights, saying “you have the right to remain silent. Everything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law.”
However, the police are required to read you your rights only in specific situations. You have the right to remain silent, even if the police do not specifically tell you about that right.
Your right to remain silent means that you do not have to answer questions about your immigration status, what country you were born in, or how you entered the United States. Instead, stay calm, don’t panic and don’t argue. Ask the police officer if you are free to go. If so, leave as quickly as possible without drawing attention to yourself.
Avoid Lying About Your Immigration Status
You can get in a lot of trouble for lying about your immigration status to the police or producing false documents. In fact, the consequences of these lies are sometimes more severe than just telling the truth.
If you lie, you may face deportation, permanent inadmissibility or the inability to apply for United States citizenship. If you do have documents showing that you are a noncitizen who is here in the United States legally, be prepared to show them to any immigration agent who requests them.
If the Police Come to Your Home, Ask to See a Warrant
You’re not required to let the police into your home unless they have a warrant. So, if the police knock on your door, ask to see one. There are different types of warrants:If the warrant is a search warrant, police are only allowed to search the places and for the items listed on the warrant.
- If the warrant is a search warrant, police are only allowed to search the places and for the items listed on the warrant.
- If the warrant is an arrest warrant for a person, they are only allowed to enter the person’s home or a place where they believe the person is.
- If the warrant is an ICE warrant for deportation or removal, the police still can’t come inside unless you tell them that they can.
Call an Attorney If Someone You Care About Is In Trouble
Immigration law policies and procedures can feel complicated and overwhelming. However, experienced legal advice can help. If someone you care about has been arrested and is at risk of deportation, contact the law office of Mark E. Jacobs, P.C. immediately. Call 972-445-7577 to schedule a consultation with a knowledgeable Dallas immigration law attorney.
