Understand your rights
Every person in the United States — no matter their immigration status — is protected by rights under the Constitution and federal law. If you are approached by local law enforcement or immigration officials, it is important to be aware of those protections. Review the guidance below to better understand your rights and how to respond in different situations.
You Have Rights
All individuals within the United States, whether citizens or not, are guaranteed fundamental protections under the U.S. Constitution and applicable federal laws.
You are not required to permit law enforcement or immigration officials to search your body, vehicle, or residence.
You have the right to remain silent. To use this right, you must clearly state that you are choosing not to answer questions.
If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may contact your country’s consulate. Authorities must allow you to communicate with your consular office and permit consular officials to speak with you.
You are entitled to consult with an attorney before responding to any questions. You may state, “I choose to remain silent and would like to speak with a lawyer.”
You are not obligated to sign documents you do not understand.
You are entitled to request and receive copies of your immigration records.
Know Your Rights: Card
Download this card and save to your phone, or print and keep on your person.
Save this card to your phone for quick access. If you are questioned by immigration officials or law enforcement, you can present it to clearly assert your constitutional rights. The card communicates that you are choosing to exercise those protections.
Know Your Rights: If Immigration or Police Approach You
No matter where you are, at home, driving, at work, outdoors, or in custody, you have constitutional rights. Understanding and calmly asserting them can protect you.
You Have the Right to Remain Silent.
You are not required to answer questions about your immigration status or anything else beyond basic identifying information where required by law. Anything you say can be used against you. If you wish to exercise this right, clearly state that you choose to remain silent.Do Not Open the Door Without a Judicial Warrant.
Immigration agents and police cannot enter your home without a warrant signed by a judge. Ask them to slide the warrant under the door or show it through a window. Do not open the door unless a valid judicial warrant is presented.Stay Calm. Do Not Run.
Running or resisting can escalate the situation and may be used against you. Remain calm. If safe to do so, document the encounter by taking notes or recording video.Do Not Consent to Searches.
You have the right to refuse consent to a search of your home, vehicle, or personal belongings unless officers have a valid warrant. Clearly state that you do not consent.Do Not Sign Anything You Do Not Understand.
Never sign documents you do not fully understand or do not wish to sign. Signing certain forms may waive important rights or agree to voluntary departure. Ask to speak to a lawyer first.Ask for an Attorney Immediately.
You have the right to speak with an attorney. If you are arrested or in jail, request a lawyer and do not answer questions until you have legal counsel. Public defenders and immigration attorneys can advise you.Keep Important Contact Information With You.
Carry the phone numbers of trusted family members, your union if applicable, and a legal services provider. Having access to legal support is critical.If You Are a U.S. Citizen.
Immigration enforcement authority does not apply to U.S. citizens. If questioned or detained based on immigration status, state clearly that you are a U.S. citizen and request a lawyer. Ask for the officer’s name and badge number. Unlawful detention based on race or citizenship status may violate constitutional protections.
Knowing your rights is not about confrontation. It is about protection. Staying calm, remaining silent, and seeking legal counsel are often the most powerful steps you can take.
Know Your Rights as a Protester
Peaceful protest is protected by the First Amendment. Knowing your rights before you attend, organize, or document a protest helps protect both you and the integrity of the demonstration.
You Have the Right to Peacefully Assemble and Speak.
Your protections are strongest in traditional public spaces such as streets, sidewalks, and parks. You may also gather in public plazas and similar areas, as long as you do not block entrances or interfere with their primary use. Private property owners may set their own rules.Permits May Be Required for Certain Events.
You generally do not need a permit to march on sidewalks or streets if you are not blocking traffic. Larger events involving street closures, amplified sound, or large park gatherings may require permits. Permits cannot be denied simply because a protest is controversial or expresses unpopular views.Police May Impose Limited Restrictions.
Law enforcement may enforce reasonable time, place, and manner rules for public safety. These rules must be applied equally to protesters and counterprotesters. Officers may separate opposing groups but should allow them to remain within sight and sound of one another.Dispersal Orders Must Meet Legal Standards.
Police may only break up a protest when there is a clear and immediate threat to public safety. If a dispersal order is issued, officers must clearly communicate it, provide adequate time to comply, and ensure there is a safe exit route.You Have the Right to Remain Silent.
If stopped or questioned, you may ask whether you are free to leave. If detained or arrested, state that you wish to remain silent and request an attorney. Do not answer questions or sign documents without legal counsel.You Do Not Have to Consent to Searches.
You may refuse consent to search your person or belongings. Police may conduct a limited pat down if they reasonably suspect a weapon and may search you after an arrest.You Have the Right to Record in Public.
If you are lawfully present in a public space, you may photograph or record police officers and government buildings, provided you are not interfering with law enforcement operations. Officers generally need a warrant to search your phone’s contents and may not delete your photos or videos.If You Are Stopped or Arrested.
Remain calm, keep your hands visible, and do not physically resist. Ask why you are being detained. You have the right to request a lawyer and to make a phone call.If Your Rights Are Violated.
Document everything as soon as possible. Write down badge numbers, patrol car numbers, and the agency involved. Collect witness contact information and photograph any injuries. You may file a complaint with the appropriate oversight body.
Knowing your rights is not about confrontation. It is about protection. Calm, informed action is one of the strongest safeguards of democratic participation.
Know Your Rights as a Voter
Voting is a fundamental right. Understanding the rules in your state and knowing what to do if problems arise can help ensure your voice is counted.
You Have the Right to Vote If You Are in Line.
If polls close while you are still waiting, remain in line. If you are in line before closing time, you have the right to cast your ballot.You Have the Right to a Working Ballot.
If you make a mistake, you may request a new ballot. If voting machines are not functioning, ask for a paper ballot.You Can Verify and Update Your Registration.
Registration deadlines and rules vary by state. Some states allow same-day registration. Check your status and registration options in advance at vote.gov.You Have Options to Vote Early or by Mail.
Many states offer early in-person voting or absentee ballots. Deadlines to request a mail ballot may come before Election Day, so plan ahead.If Your Name Is Not on the Voter List.
Ask poll workers to double-check the list, including supplemental lists. Confirm you are at the correct polling location. If your registration cannot be verified, request a provisional ballot. If you are eligible, that ballot must be reviewed and counted.You May Need Identification.
Some states require ID or proof of residence, especially for first-time voters. Review your state’s requirements before Election Day so you are prepared.Voters with Disabilities Have the Right to Accessibility.
Polling places must be accessible. You are entitled to vote privately and independently using accessible equipment. You may bring a person of your choice to assist you, except for your employer or union representative. Election officials must provide reasonable accommodations when requested.Language Assistance Is Protected by Law.
If you have difficulty reading or writing English, you may bring someone to assist you, except an employer or union representative. In certain counties, bilingual ballots and assistance must be provided. You do not need to speak English to vote.You Are Protected from Voter Intimidation.
It is illegal to threaten, harass, or mislead voters. No one may demand proof beyond what state law requires, spread false information about voting rules, or attempt to interfere with your ballot. If challenged, you may be able to sign a sworn statement affirming your eligibility and proceed with voting.If You Encounter Problems.
Document what happened and report issues to your local election officials. You can also contact the nonpartisan Election Protection Hotline:
English: 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683)
Spanish: 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (1-888-839-8682)
Arabic: 1-844-YALLA-US (1-844-925-5287)
Asian languages: 1-888-274-8683
Planning ahead and knowing your rights helps protect not just your vote, but the integrity of the democratic process itself.
Know Your Rights: Religious Freedom
The U.S. Constitution protects your right to believe, practice, or not practice any religion you choose — and it also limits what government can do with respect to religion. These protections help ensure that religion remains a personal choice, not a government mandate or barrier.
You Have the Right to Believe and Practice Your Faith Freely.
The First Amendment guarantees that the government may not stop you from choosing, changing, or practicing your religion as you see fit, so long as your practices do not violate neutral, generally applicable laws related to health, safety, or public order.The Government Cannot Establish a Religion.
Under the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, government may not create an official religion, favor one religion over another, or favor religion over non-religion (or vice versa). This principle protects the government from endorsing or promoting religious belief with public power or public funds.Separation of Church and State Means Neutrality by Government.
While the exact phrase “separation of church and state” does not appear in the Constitution, it describes the legal understanding that government must remain neutral toward religion — neither imposing religious practices nor interfering with individual belief.You Are Free From Religious Tests for Public Office.
Article VI of the Constitution prohibits any religious test for holding public office, meaning no belief or non-belief can be used to bar someone from serving in government.Your Rights Apply to Everyone.
Religious freedom protects people of all faiths and those with none. The government must treat believers and nonbelievers alike.Government Must Not Coerce Religious Practice.
Officials may not compel anyone to attend worship, adopt a belief, or support a religious institution. Religious decisions are personal and protected.Limits Can Exist for Public Safety and Welfare.
Although belief is fully protected, some religious practices can be regulated when they conflict with general laws that apply to everyone for reasons like health or safety.Government Cannot Use Your Belief Against You.
Your religion — or lack of religion — cannot be used by the government to deny you rights, access to benefits, or equal treatment.
Religious freedom in the U.S. is built to protect your conscience and choices, while preventing the government from becoming entangled with any religious institution or belief system.