Don't Forget

A Progressive's super power is a good memory.

It's been very annoyingly difficult for me to get a straightforward answer to what I think should be a very simple question:

What are the rights for immigrants in the US?

All I've been able to find is a lot of vague shit that doesn't directly address my questions.

Here's a selectively edited bit from the Oregon ACLU:

It is not intended to be, and is not a substitute for, legal advice.

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU LOVE IS BEING DEPORTED:

• We encourage you to contact a lawyer as soon as possible.

IF LAW ENFORCEMENT ASKS ABOUT YOUR IMMIGRATION STATUS:

• 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 tell an officer can later be used against you in immigration court.
• If you are not a U.S. citizen and an immigration agent requests your immigration papers, you must show them if you have them with you. This requirement only applies to immigration agents. You do not have to show any documents to local or state police, except that you do have to show a valid drivers’ license if police pull you over for a traffic violation.
• If the police or an immigration agent asks if they can search you, you have the right to say no. Agents generally do not have the right to search you or your belongings without your permission or a warrant.
• If you’re over 18 and are not a U.S. citizen, carry your papers with you at all times. If you don’t have them, tell the officer that you want to remain silent, or that you want to consult a lawyer before answering any questions.

Immigrants' Rights Guide:

ICE is at my door. What do I say?

You have rights that ICE must respect. For example, you have the right to refuse entry into your home if ICE does not have a warrant signed by a judge that says they can search your address. We recommend that you keep a copy of this script in your home should you need to use it in the future.

ICE is at my workplace. What are my rights?

You and your employer have rights at work that can protect you from ICE arrests. For example, your employer has the right to refuse ICE entry into their property if ICE doesn't have a warrant, and you have the right to remain silent if ICE is at your workplace. You also have the right to be free from discrimination at work, and be treated fairly in payment and other treatment, regardless of your immigration status. 

I am an immigrant with children. How can I plan or prepare for an immigration emergency?

It is important to be prepared in the event that you may encounter immigration agents. Use these resources to develop an emergency plan for your loved ones in case you are facing deportation. 

I have a court date coming up. Can I be arrested at the courthouse?

This depends on your state's laws.

I am an immigrant. Can I obtain a driver's license?

This depends on your state's laws.

I am an immigrant youth. What are my protections?

Deferred Actions for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a federal policy that gives youth and young professionals opportunities to work in the U.S. while temporarily being protected from deportation. While DACA is currently being challenged in the federal courts, the protection remains available to people who are eligible. 

That's it for now. Good luck.