Know Your Rights

At MUA, we believe everyone has the right to live with dignity, respect, and safety. We are committed to empowering individuals by providing resources, education, and support to ensure they understand and can advocate for their rights.

Your Constitutional Rights

• Do not open the door if an immigration agent is knocking.

• Do not sign anything without first speaking to a lawyer. You have the right to consult with a lawyer.

• If you are outside your home, ask the agent if you are free to leave. If the answer is yes, leave calmly.

If the Police Ask About Your Immigration Status

How to Reduce the Risk for Yourself

• Stay calm. Do not run, argue, resist, or obstruct the officer, even if you believe your rights are being violated.

• Keep your hands where the police can see them.

• Do not lie about your immigration status or provide false documents.

Your Rights

• You have the right to remain silent and do not have to discuss your immigration or citizenship status with police, immigration agents, or other officials.

• Anything you say to an officer can be used against you in immigration court.

• If you are not a U.S. citizen, and an immigration officer asks you for your immigration documents, you must show them.

• If an immigration agent asks you for permission to search you or your belongings, you have the right to say NO. Agents cannot search without your consent or probable cause.

• If you are over 18, carry your immigration documents with you at all times. If you do not have them, let them know that you wish to remain silent or that you wish to speak to an attorney before answering any questions.

What to do in an encounter with police officers

• In some states, you must provide your name if the police or immigration agent asks for it. However, you do not have to answer any other questions. (We recommend that you only provide your name, so that if your family needs to look for you, they will have the correct name.)

• If you are driving and are stopped, the officer may ask for your driver's license, registration, and proof of insurance. You are not required to answer questions about your immigration status.

• Customs officers may ask about your immigration status when entering or leaving the country. If you are a legal permanent resident, it is recommended that you answer their questions. If you do not have a visa or citizenship, you may be denied entry to the U.S. if you refuse to answer.

Additional Resources

If you need support, these crisis lines are available 24 hours a day:

Shelter A Safe Place: 510-536-7233

Building Futures with Women and Children Shelter: 1-866-292-9688

Crisis Support Services of the East Bay: 1-800-309-2131

Ruby's Place Shelter: 1-888-339-7233

Tri-Valley Haven: 1-800-884-8119 and 925-449-5842

Center for Domestic Peace: 415-924-6616 (Spanish: 415-924-3456)

WOMAN, Inc. – referrals (SF): 415-864-4722 (Spanish: 1-877-384-3578)

Next Door: 408-279-2962

Family Violence Law Center – Mobile Response Team: 1-800-947-8301

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

Queer Asian Women & Transgender Hotline: 1-877-751-0880

Sexual Assault Hotline – Bay Area Women Against Rape: 510-845-7273

House of the Sun: 510-535-6200

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673

Family Justice Center Hotline: 1-800-947-8301

American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) - For more information or legal support, you can contact AILA.

If you need resources and information in Mam: https://www.mayanleague.org/resources