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A civic engagement initiative equipping immigrant communities with clear knowledge of their constitutional rights — and equipping churches to host trainings, distribute materials, and accompany neighbors.
“Every person in the United States — regardless of immigration status — has constitutional rights.”
Know Your Rights is a civic engagement initiative equipping immigrant communities and their advocates with clear, practical knowledge of constitutional protections. Every person in the United States — regardless of immigration status — has rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.
Churches, community centers, and legal advocates play a critical role in making this knowledge accessible. By hosting Know Your Rights trainings and distributing materials in English and Spanish, your congregation becomes a place of safety and empowerment for immigrant neighbors.
Three rights you need to know
These apply to every person in the U.S. — at home, at work, on the street, and at school.
01
You have the right to remain silent.
You do not have to answer questions from police or immigration officers. You can say: “I am exercising my right to remain silent.” Stay calm. Do not run.
5th Amendment
02
You do not have to sign anything.
Never sign any document without speaking to an attorney first. Some documents can waive your rights or lead to immediate deportation.
Due Process
03
You have the right to an attorney.
If you are detained, ask for a lawyer immediately. You can contact a legal aid organization. Free and low-cost immigration legal services are available in most cities.
6th Amendment
Take the next step
Lead a Training
Host a Know Your Rights training session for immigrant families in your congregation or neighborhood, in partnership with local legal advocates.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions.
Do these rights apply to undocumented immigrants?
Yes. The Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments apply to all persons within the United States — not just citizens or legal residents. You have the right to remain silent, the right not to be subjected to unreasonable searches, and the right to an attorney.
What should I do if ICE comes to my door?
Do not open the door. You are not required to open the door unless officers have a signed judicial warrant. Ask them to slide the warrant under the door. You may speak through the door. Contact a legal advocate immediately.
Can I be forced to show my ID?
It depends on the state. In many states, you must provide your name if asked by police during a stop. However, you are not required to carry immigration documents at all times. Consult a local legal advocate about the laws in your state.
What is this initiative — is it legal advice?
This initiative provides general legal information, not legal advice, and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. For your specific situation, contact an immigration attorney or legal aid organization. Many offer free consultations.
How can my congregation host a Know Your Rights training?
Download the Know Your Rights Training Event Guide from our resources page. It includes everything you need to organize a session — from invitations to facilitation notes — in partnership with local legal advocates.
Everything you need to participate.
Know Your Rights and Advocate Training
An online training from the ILRC equipping advocates and faith communities to teach immigrants their constitutional rights in their own communities.
Visit → External Link · Civic EngagementKnow Your Rights Cards (Various Languages)
Multilingual know-your-rights cards from CLINIC that churches can print and distribute to immigrant community members in their native languages.
Visit → External Link · Civic EngagementKnow Your Rights Red Cards
The ILRC's iconic red cards that immigrants can carry and show to ICE agents, asserting their constitutional rights in any encounter.
Visit → Event Guide · Civic EngagementKnow Your Rights Training Event Guide
A step-by-step guide from the ILRC for churches and organizations to host their own Know Your Rights events for immigrant neighbors.
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