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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
ILRC 在线培训,旨在帮助倡导者和信仰社区向移民教授他们在自己社区中的宪法权利。.
访问 External Link · Civic EngagementCLINIC 的多语言“了解你的权利”卡片,教会可以将其打印成母语并分发给移民社区成员。.
访问 External Link · Civic Engagement移民权利法律资源中心(ILRC)标志性的红色卡片,移民可以随身携带并出示给移民和海关执法局(ICE)的探员,在任何接触中主张他们的宪法权利。.
访问 Event Guide · Civic Engagement移民法律资源中心 (ILRC) 为教会和组织举办自己的“了解你的权利”活动,以帮助移民邻居的步骤指南。.
在线阅读Updates on initiatives, resources, and ways you and your community can take faithful action.