Immigration Solutions Tailored for You

If Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents come to your door, it's crucial to know your rights:​

• Do not open the door unless presented with a judicial warrant signed by a judge. ICE warrants, which are administrative, do not grant permission to enter your home without consent.​
• Ask to see the warrant by having them slide it under the door or show it through a window. Verify that it's a judicial warrant with a judge's signature.​
• Exercise your right to remain silent and do not answer questions about your immigration status without consulting an attorney.​

For more detailed information, refer to the below articles:​

Link to English Article  |  Link to Spanish Article

If immigration authorities approach you or your home, understanding the difference between ICE warrants and judicial warrants is crucial to protecting your rights:

ICE Warrants (Administrative Warrants):

• Issued by immigration officers (ICE), not judges.
• Typically related to immigration enforcement (words like "immigration," "deportation," or "alien" usually appear).
• It Does NOT authorize ICE to enter your home without your permission.
• You have the right not to open the door, and you can request to see the warrant through a window or have it slid under the door.

Judicial Warrants:

• Signed by a local, state, or federal judge.
• Usually related to criminal offenses (felony crimes), not just immigration violations.
• Will clearly list the person's name, address, and specific locations authorized for entry.
• Allows law enforcement to enter your home without your consent. If law enforcement has a judicial warrant, you are legally required to allow entry and comply with its terms.

What Should You Do?

• Ask to see the warrant clearly before opening your door.
• Look carefully for a judge’s signature to determine if it’s a judicial warrant.
• If it's an ICE warrant, you may politely refuse entry and assert your rights under the Fourth Amendment (against unreasonable entry) and the Fifth Amendment (to remain silent).

Knowing this difference empowers you to assert your rights and protect yourself effectively during immigration encounters.

For more detailed information, refer to the below articles:​

Link to English Article  |  Link to Spanish Article

If you're approached by ICE, knowing and asserting your constitutional rights is essential to protect yourself:

• You have the right to remain silent (Fifth Amendment). You do not have to answer any questions about your immigration status, nationality, or citizenship. Clearly state, “I wish to remain silent.”
• Do not open your door without a judicial warrant (Fourth Amendment). ICE may present administrative warrants that do not authorize entry into your home without consent. Request to see any warrant through a window or have it slipped under the door to verify it's signed by a judge.

Exercising these rights helps ensure you do not unintentionally provide information that ICE may later use against you in immigration court. Always remain calm, polite, and assert your right to speak with an attorney before answering any questions.

For more insights, read:

Link to English Article  |  Link to Spanish Article

The 287(g) program allows local law enforcement agencies to collaborate with ICE, enabling designated officers to perform certain immigration enforcement functions. This partnership can lead to increased immigration checks during routine police encounters. Understanding how 287(g) agreements operate in your area is essential to be prepared and know your rights.​

However, you are not under any obligation to answer questions about your immigration status to anyone! If you are uncertain about what to do or how to respond you should always exercise your right to remain silent. Contact your immigration lawyer or emergency contact and wait for help.

Learn more in this article:​

Link to English Article  |  Link to Spanish Article

If you're scheduled to appear in immigration court or have regular ICE check-ins, it's essential to stay informed and proactive:

• Attend all hearings: Failure to appear can result in a removal order in your absence.​
• Seek legal representation: While not provided by the government, having an attorney can significantly impact your case's outcome.​
• Understand the process: Immigration court proceedings involve multiple steps, including master calendar hearings and individual hearings.​
• ICE check-ins: If required to check in regularly with ICE, always comply with the instructions you receive. These appointments typically involve confirming your current address and compliance with immigration conditions. It's advisable to consult with your attorney before any ICE check-in, particularly if you fear detention or removal.
• Check your immigration court case status online: To stay updated on your immigration court case, use the Automated Case Information System. Visit https://acis.eoir.justice.gov/ and enter your Alien Registration Number (A-Number). This system will show you the date, time, and location of your upcoming hearings, as well as important case updates.

Staying informed and prepared is the best way to protect your immigration rights and work toward a successful outcome.

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that authorizes a trusted individual to make decisions on your behalf regarding your finances, property, or the care of your children if you're unable to do so yourself—due to detention, deportation, illness, or any unexpected circumstance.

When should I consider setting up a Power of Attorney?

It's best to set up a Power of Attorney before an emergency occurs. By preparing in advance, you can ensure that your family, finances, and assets are protected if something happens to you unexpectedly.

What types of Power of Attorney should immigrants consider?

• Financial Power of Attorney: Grants someone authority to handle your financial matters, including accessing bank accounts, paying bills, managing property, or making financial decisions on your behalf.
• Power of Attorney for Child Care (Temporary Guardianship): Gives someone you trust the authority to care for your children, make decisions about their schooling, healthcare, and general welfare if you’re temporarily unable to care for them.

How do I choose someone to be my Power of Attorney?

Select someone you trust deeply, such as a close family member or friend who understands your wishes, shares your values, and will act in the best interest of you and your family.

What steps do I need to take to set up a Power of Attorney?

1. Identify a trusted individual.
2. Discuss your wishes clearly with that person.
3. Meet with an attorney who can guide you through drafting the document.
4. Sign and notarize the Power of Attorney to make it legally valid.
5. Keep copies in a secure place and inform trusted individuals where to find them.

Why is having a Power of Attorney crucial for immigrant families?

Immigrant families often face uncertainty about their future. Having a Power of Attorney ensures that your loved ones and property are protected, your children are cared for by someone you trust, and your financial affairs remain stable during difficult situations, providing peace of mind for you and your family.

Where can I get a Power of Attorney?

There are nonprofit organizations in our community helping immigrants obtain Power of Attorneys. If you are in the lowcountry area in South Carolina, please seek help and guidance from Lowcountry Legal Volunteers.

For more information, please read:

Link to English Article | Link to Spanish Article

If your family member has been picked up by the police and you’re considering paying the bond, it's critical to consult with an immigration attorney first. Typically, once the bond is paid, ICE has 48 hours to take custody of your loved one if they intend to do so. Paying the bond prematurely—without legal advice—could unintentionally speed up the transfer into immigration custody and complicate your family member's case.

Contacting an immigration lawyer immediately can help you make the best decision to protect your loved one's immigration rights and avoid unintended consequences.

It's important for immigrants to carry certain documents at all times, as they can protect your rights and help verify your status if you're stopped or detained:

Documents you should carry daily (originals or clear copies):

• Your Red – Know Your Rights Card, to assert and invoke your constitutional rights.
• Green Card (Lawful Permanent Resident card), if applicable.
• Employment Authorization Document (EAD), if applicable.
• Passport or government-issued identification.
• Letter of Representation from your immigration attorney, confirming your legal representation and contact information.

Additional recommendation due to the Executive Order on Expedited Removal:

Under current immigration policies, immigrants present in the U.S. for less than two years could be placed in expedited removal proceedings. To protect yourself, it's advisable to carry a small packet of documents that clearly demonstrate you have been in the U.S. for over two years, such as:

• Copies of tax returns
• Utility bills (electricity, water, phone, etc.)
• Lease agreements or mortgage documents
• Paystubs or employment records
• Medical records with dates clearly visible
• School or childcare records

Documents to keep safely stored at home:

• Form G-28, signed by your attorney, to confirm legal representation.
• Power of Attorney (POA) documents clearly outlining who can handle your financial affairs or care for your children if you're detained or unable to act on your behalf.

Preparing and carrying these documents ensures you're equipped to assert your rights and protect yourself and your family, reducing stress and confusion during unexpected encounters with immigration officials.

Your Alien Registration Number (A-Number) is a unique identifier assigned to you by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You can locate it on several documents:​

• Permanent Resident Card (Green Card): The A-Number is listed as the "USCIS#" on the front of the card.​
• Employment Authorization Document (EAD): Found under "USCIS#" on the card.​
• Immigrant Visa: Displayed as the "Registration Number" on your visa stamp.​

Link for more details below:

To monitor your case status:​

• Visit the USCIS Case Status Online Page
• Enter your receipt number: This 13-character identifier is found on your USCIS receipt notice.​
• Review your case status: The system will provide the current status and any updates.​

For more details on checking processing times, refer to:​ https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/