Know Your Rights
You have rights—even if you are undocumented. Using your rights is not illegal. It's protection.
Knowing your rights is not a crime. It is protection.
For Immigrants & Families
Know Your Rights During Immigration Enforcement
This guide is for anyone—regardless of status—who may face immigration enforcement. It clearly explains your rights, how to respond, and how to prepare. Using your rights is not a crime. It's protection.
What to Say (Verbatim)
| Situation | Say This |
|---|---|
| Stopped on the street | "Am I free to go?" |
| If not free to go | "I am exercising my right to remain silent." |
| At your home with ICE | "Do you have a warrant signed by a judge?" |
| No valid warrant | "I do not consent to entry." |
| Asked to sign something | "I want to talk to a lawyer before signing anything." |
| If detained | "I want to speak to an attorney." |
Tips for Immigrants & Families
- Stay calm, stay connected. Fear isolates. Community protects.
- Avoid panic posts and rumors on social media. Confirm information with trusted sources.
- Seek legal help early. Don't wait for a notice or a raid.
- Stay low-profile. Don't publicly post about your location or immigration status.
- Connect with support networks: WA Legislative Black Caucus, Haitian Bridge Alliance, NWIRP.
Preparing for Possible Deportation or Detention
Preparasyon pou Posib Depòtasyon Oswa Detansyon
It's painful—but preparation can save lives, families, and dignity.
Legal & Emergency Prep
- Assign a Power of Attorney to someone you trust.
- Create a family emergency plan: who picks up the kids, where you go.
- Save all key documents on a secure USB or encrypted drive.
Family & Child Planning
- Tell your child's school who is authorized to pick them up if you cannot.
- Write down your child's allergies, medications, and daily routines.
- Print and store emergency family contact info in the child's backpack.
Phone & Money
- Memorize at least two emergency phone numbers.
- Use an encrypted messaging app (like Signal) for emergency contact.
- Set a plan for someone to check in with you weekly.
Tips for Advocates & Community Leaders
Tools for nonprofits, churches, schools, and ally organizations
Host Know Your Rights workshops with food, interpreters, and printed wallet cards.
Create Rapid Response Teams to show up, document, and support during ICE activity.
Use encrypted tools like Signal, WhatsApp, and ProtonMail for safe coordination.
Partner with trusted safe spaces: churches, schools, nonprofits.
Organize direct outreach to elected officials to condemn unjust deportations.
Fundraise with transparency: explain how the money is used.
Outreach Language & Messaging
There are over 600 Haitian community members in Spokane—and more than 100 are now facing sudden, unjust loss of legal protection status (TPS) and jobs. These are our neighbors.
Due to targeted policy rollbacks, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and humanitarian parole are being revoked without warning. Haitian immigrants are being told: "Leave the U.S. or face arrest."
This is a humanitarian crisis—and it's happening right here in Spokane.
Trusted Resources to Share
- • Haitian Bridge Alliance — haitianbridge.org
- • Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP) — nwirp.org
- • ACLU of Washington — aclu-wa.org
- • WA Legislative Black Caucus — facebook.com/WALegBlackCaucus
- • WA House Dems MOCC — facebook.com/WAHouseDemsMOCC
Employer-Sponsored Green Card Guide
For immigrants seeking a green card through their job
This guide walks you through what to expect if your employer is helping you apply for a green card.
Step 1: Labor Certification (PERM)
Your employer must prove to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) that there are no qualified U.S. workers for the position. This step can take 6–12 months or more. You are not allowed to apply for this part yourself.
Step 2: Immigrant Petition (Form I-140)
After DOL approves the labor certification, your employer files Form I-140 with USCIS. This petition confirms you qualify for the job.
Step 3: Priority Date & Visa Availability
After I-140 approval, you wait for a visa to become available based on your country of birth and job category. This can take months to many years.
Step 4: Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing
Once a visa is available, you apply for a green card (Form I-485 if in the U.S., or consular processing abroad). You may be able to work and travel while waiting.
Important Reminders for Employees
- Stay organized. Keep copies of all documents your employer submits on your behalf.
- Do NOT pay for PERM advertising or recruitment costs. This is legally required to be paid by the employer.
- You cannot change employers during I-485 (generally) without risking your case.
- Changes in job duties, hours, or pay can impact your immigration case.
- You may be able to travel internationally if you have Advance Parole approved.
- This information is educational and does not replace legal advice.