Chicago’s Largest Refugee Resettlement Agency | Est. 1982

Sign Up for Our Emails

GIVE

Know Your Rights

Regardless of immigration status, everyone in the U.S. has guaranteed rights under the Constitution. We should all know what our rights are, how to exercise them, and what to do if our rights are violated.


In light of executive orders and threats of removal proceedings targeting newcomers, RefugeeOne has been hosting internal Know Your Rights (KYR) trainings for staff and program participants. See some recommendations and additional external resources here.

General Preparedness

  • Know your immigration status and what documents are in your possession. Make sure documents are up to date.
  • Keep copies of proof of status on your person (e.g. I-94, green card, EAD card, etc.). Keep your original documents in a safe place.
  • Never provide false documentation.
  • Carry a Know Your Rights card on you.
  • Make all efforts to avoid contact with law enforcement.
  • Keep your contact information up to date at your children’s school.
  • If you are not a U.S. citizen, don’t travel outside of the country without consulting a lawyer. 

If You Encounter Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

  • Remain calm. Do not run.
  • Do not invite agents into any private spaces (e.g. your home, work place, etc.). ICE cannot legally enter any private spaces without a warrant that is signed by a judge.
  • You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer any questions.
  • Hand an agent your Know Your Rights or RefugeeOne printed wallet card if you’d like. Never provide false documentation.
  • Take photos or videos of ICE encounters if possible. Report ICE activity to the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) hotline at 855-435-7693. Do not post about activity you witness on social media.

Wallet Cards

  • Print a Know Your Rights card to carry on you.
  • RefugeeOne can help program participants identify their status, home language, and available documents if needed. Reach out to your RefugeeOne point of contact if there are questions about this.

Additional Resources

Find more from these Chicago-based organizations:

BACK TO OUR RESOURCES