Know Your Rights

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Everyone, regardless of immigration status, is protected by certain rights under the U.S. Constitution. Understanding your rights can make a huge difference! Make sure you, your family, and loved ones know your rights.

Be Ready!

  • Make an Emergency Family Preparedness Plan
  • Learn Your Immigration Options
  • Know Your Rights
  • Find your Know Your Rights cards

Know Your Rights Presentations

These documents are for general informational purposes only. The content is not legal advice and should not be construed as City of Los Angeles policy. If you are in need of legal advice, please contact an attorney.

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Emergency Family Preparedness Plan

Tips

  • Choose an emergency contact and memorize their phone number. An emergency contact can be someone you trust – a family member, friend, community leader, or a lawyer.
  • Organize your documents and keep them in a safe place that your emergency contacts have access to.

Recommended Resources

Learn Immigration Options

Getting a proper legal consultation from a trusted expert is crucial in family preparedness planning since they can better determine if you are currently eligible for any immigration benefit.

For your protection, it is not recommended that you seek assistance from “notarios” who are not licensed to practice law. Remember: A public notary who is not a licensed attorney cannot fill out or file immigration forms on your behalf. They also should not give you legal advice.

You can find trusted providers through the New Americans Initiative. Schedule a consultation on the appointment page.

Finding a Person in Detention

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO)

Know Your Individual Rights in the Workplace

National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON)

State of California Department of Industrial Relations

National Immigration Law Center

  • Guide for Employers: What to Do if Immigration Comes to Your Workplace (English)

    • Healthcare Rights and Public Charge Questions

    Benefits Access for Immigrants Los Angeles (BAILA) Network

    • BAILA Network offers benefits enrollment assistance, including answering questions about eligibility and public charge.

    California Health & Human Services Agency

  • The Public Charge Guide provides current information regarding federal changes to “public charge” determinations and the use of public benefits. Available in Armenian, Chinese, English, Farsi, Hindi, Hmong, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Lao, Mien, Pashto, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, Thai, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.

Know Your Rights for Nonprofit and Small Businesses

Public Counsel

Bet Tzedek

National Immigration Law Center

Know Your Rights for Students

Know Your Rights for Tenants

Rapid Response Phone Numbers for Los Angeles

  • Southern California Rapid Response Network - Call (888) 624-4752 to report immigration enforcement and request referrals for legal immigration and other support services.
  • Immigrant Defenders Law Center - Call (213) 833-8283 to assist a relative or community member who has been detained by Immigration Enforcement. Calls will be responded to Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Immigration Services Fraud

If you need immigration assistance, only licensed attorneys and federally accredited representatives are authorized to provide you with legal advice and represent you in immigration matters.

Avoid immigration services fraud:

  • Beware of social media, WhatsApp, and other ads promising immigration benefits such as a work permit, green card, or visa.
  • Beware of “attorneys” who are unable to meet with you in person.
  • Avoid immigration consultants, notaries, and tax preparers for all immigration matters.

Do not give money or personal information to anyone who calls, texts, or emails you claiming that there is a problem with your immigration matter.

  • Immigration officers will not ask for money or financial information.
  • Immigration officers will not typically call to warn immigrants that they are going to be detained or arrested.

To identify a nonprofit organization in your area that provides authorized immigration legal services, use the search tool at immigrationlawhelp.org.

Report immigration fraud by phone: (800) 593-8222 or file a complaint online.

For more information:

We value your privacy and your rights as a resident in Los Angeles. All information is confidential and services in the library are all free. Questions? Call us at 213-228-7390.

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