Know Your Rights - Resources for Nonprofit Employers + Employees
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) continues to increase operations in many locations, including here in Maine. All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution.
(by ACLU Maine, Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project and the Refugee and Human Rights Clinic at the University of Maine School of Law.)
For Employers
Prepare
- Review What to Do if Immigration Comes to Your Workplace, and Know Your Rights Checklists: Guidance for Health Care, Shelters, Clergy, Education
- Designate one point of contact to interact with ICE officers.
- Ensure all Form I-9s are complete, accurate, and securely stored. (See The Importance of I-9 Compliance and Why Businesses Need to be Proactive.)
- Clearly mark public vs. private (non-public) areas of your workplace.
- Train front-line staff to stay calm and immediately refer agents to management (See infographic at right from How Maine businesses are preparing for ICE encorcement actions, Portland Press Herald.)
- Keep contact information for legal counsel readily available.
- Ensure your organization is up to date on immigration and workforce compliance (Recorded Webinars: Employers Navigating Immigration and Workforce Compliance)
Empower
Print and distribute "Red Cards" which help people understand their rights (available in multiple languages).
Support
Even if you do not realize it, you may have employees who have fears for themselves and their families, or who are concerned about clients, neighbors, and friends. Help connect employees to support through your EAP and community resources.
Stay Safe
Democracy Security Project offers this pocket guide of de-escalation strategies.
For Individuals
Know Your Rights
This guidance from Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project covers what to do if you are stopped by an immigration officer whether at your home, in public, or at your workplace. (Available in English, French, Portugese, Spanish, Lingala, Kreyol Ayisyen).
A few specific tips:
- Carry valid immigration documents if you have them and are required to do so.
- Know that you have the right to remain silent and to ask for a lawyer.
- Do not volunteer information or sign documents you do not understand.
The Maine Immigrants' Rights Coalition has an extensive resource hub with more information.
Understand Law Enforcement
Democracy Security Project offers this resource about what the local police, National Guard, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) can and can't do.
If you believe ICE or Border Patrol has violated your or someone else's rights, you can complete this form.
MIRC Resource Hub and Hotline 207-544-9989
How to Help
- Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project of Maine (ILAP) provides information on how to request legal help for a person detained by immigration officials. Sign up for their e-news and newsletter for updates and calls to action.
- Support organizations providing resources for detainees and their families such as commissary and transportation funding, financial support for bail bonds and legal fees, support for families, and more.
This blog post does not represent legal advice. For legal support and questions related to immigration, use the National Immigration Legal Services Directory.