Know your rights
All people living in the United States, including undocumented immigrants, have certain U.S. Constitutional rights. Learn about your rights in the U.S. and about laws that affect you and your family.
WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS IF I am stopped by an immigration officer in public?
If immigration (ICE) officers stop you on the street or in a public place, know you have the following rights:
You have the right to remain silent. You do not need to speak to the immigration officers or answer any questions.
You may refuse a search. If you are stopped for questioning but are not arrested, you do not have to consent to a search of yourself or your belongings, but an officer may “pat down” your clothes if they suspect you have a weapon.
You have the right to speak to a lawyer. If you are detained or taken into custody, you have the right to immediately contact a lawyer.
Guide updated: December 2024
WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS IF an immigration officer comes to my home?
If immigration (ICE) agents knock on your door, know that you have the following rights:
You do not have to open the door. You do not have to open the door or let the officers into your home unless they have a valid search warrant signed by a judge.
You have the right to remain silent. You do not need to speak to the immigration officers or answer any questions.
You have the right to speak to a lawyer. If you are detained or taken into custody, you have the right to immediately contact a lawyer.
Guide updated: December 2024
WHAT ARE MY RIGHTS IF an immigration officer shows up at my workplace?
If immigration officers (ICE) come to your work place, they must have a valid search warrant or the consent of your employer to enter non-public areas. Be aware of the following:
Do not panic and do not run away. If you are frightened and feel like you need to leave, you can calmly walk toward the exit.
You have the right to remain silent. You do not need to speak to the immigration authorities or answer any questions.
You have the right to speak to a lawyer. If you are detained or taken into custody, you have the right to immediately contact a lawyer.
Guide updated: December 2024
where can i find trusted information about my rights?
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
Webpage: Immigrants' Rights
Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC)
Printable card: Know Your Rights Cards
Immigration Legal Resource Center (ILRC)
Webpage/PDF: Immigration Preparedness Toolkit
Printable card: Red Cards
Note: If you are an immigrant-serving organization or a public defender, you can order and ship cards for free.
HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF FROM IMMIGRATION FRAUD?
Be careful when getting help with your immigration case! Beware of people in Maine who try to trick you by pretending to help with immigration cases. These people can steal your money and hurt your immigration case.
The best way to protect yourself is by having information about what these people do and being careful about who you allow to help with your immigration case.
Page updated: July 2022
If a person who is not a lawyer or an accredited representative has charged you money to help with your immigration paperwork you can file a report with the Attorney General’s Office. Reports may be filed in your primary language. Click here to learn more.
Can i have, use, grow, or work with marijuana if I AM NOT A U.S. CITIZEN?
No! Maine and other states have legalized marijuana, but marijuana is still ILLEGAL under U.S. immigration law. If you are not a U.S citizen and are found to have used marijuana, worked in a marijuana business, grown marijuana or helped another person use marijuana, you can face serious immigration problems.
If you are NOT a U.S. citizen you cannot have, use, grow, or work with marijuana in ANY state!
Page updated: June 2021
how do criminal charges impact my immigration case?
Criminal charges can have serious consequences on your immigration case. Criminal charges can also put you at risk of deportation. If you already have a criminal charge(s), there are steps you can take to strengthen your immigration case.
Video updated: August 2021
CAN I VOTE OR REGISTER TO VOTE IN THE U.S.?
Only U.S. citizens can vote or register to vote. This is true for all U.S. and State elections.
Under immigration law, non-citizens who register to vote or who vote can face serious immigration problems, including deportation. It does not matter if you registered or voted by mistake, or were told by others it was safe to do so.
Page updated: September 2024
Why is it important to file taxes every year?
It is the law. Everyone in the U.S. must file taxes. This includes people who are in the U.S. without legal status. Only people who make no money at all or only a very small amount of money are excused from filing.
You should file your taxes to avoid penalties that can be imposed for not filing them. And in many situations, you may be entitled to money from the government.
Video updated: March 2024
The ILAP resources on this page were developed by lawyers and accredited representatives, but are not a substitute for legal advice.
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Know Your Rights
What are my rights if I am stopped by an immigration officer in public?
What are my rights if an immigration officer comes to my home?
What are my rights if an immigration officer comes to my workplace?
Where can I find trusted information about my rights?
How can I protect myself from immigration fraud?
Can I have, use, or work with marijuana if I am not a U.S. citizen?
How do criminal charges impact my immigration case?