It’s crucial for immigrants to understand their rights. Knowledge is power, especially in challenging times, and being informed about workplace protections, access to essential services, and anti-discrimination laws empowers individuals and strengthens our communities.
As a union, we stand in unwavering solidarity with immigrant workers, affirming their dignity and vital contributions. Together, we will support one another, build collective power, and ensure immigrant justice remains a core value in our fight for fairness and equality.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: If Law Enforcement Asks About Your Immigration Status
- You have the right to remain silent and do not have to discuss your immigration or citizenship status with police, immigration agents, or other officials. Anything you tell an officer can later be used against you in immigration court.
- If you are not a U.S. citizen and an immigration agent requests your immigration papers, you must show them if you have them with you. This requirement only applies to immigration agents. You do not have to show any documents to local or state police, except that you do have to show a valid drivers’ license if police pull you over for a traffic violation.
- If the police or an immigration agent asks if they can search you, you have the right to say no. Agents generally do not have the right to search you or your belongings without your permission or a warrant.
- If you’re over 18 and are not a U.S. citizen, carry your papers with you at all times. If you don’t have them, tell the officer that you want to remain silent, or that you want to consult a lawyer before answering any questions.
- What should someone do if they observe ICE in their community?
Report it all to the Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition (PIRC) hotline: 1-888-622-1510.
- What should someone do to prepare for a possible ICE encounter?
- Make a plan with family. Family members need to know what steps to take if someone is detained, including where to find important documents, etc.
- Enroll in the Equity Corps of Oregon. You can get faster, free access to a lawyer if you are pre-enrolled in Equity Corps of Oregon (ECO). Call ECO at 1-888-274-7292
Resources Specific to Oregon
- Healthier Oregon, Free Healthcare for Oregonians, Oregon Health Authority
- Free, High-quality Health Care Interpreters, Oregon Health Authority
Cost-Free Immigration Legal Services
Legal Protections in Oregon
- Sanctuary Promise: Oregon is a Sanctuary state. It is against Oregon law for state and local law enforcement or public agencies (state and local government offices) in the state of Oregon to participate directly or indirectly in immigration enforcement without a judicial warrant. Read more.
- Equal Access to Roads: This bill allows immigrants without all documents to get driver’s licenses. The act removes the rule of showing proof of U.S. citizenship or legal status in the country to get a driver’s license. With this act, a person applying for a driver’s license only needs to show Proof of identity, Date of birth, social security number (SSN) or a written statement stating that they don’t have an SSN, and proof of residency in Oregon. Read more.
- Oregon Public Safety Law: This law prohibits local law enforcement officers from enforcing federal immigration laws that target people based on their race or ethnic origin when those individuals are not suspected of any criminal activities. Read more.
Additional Resources
CHNV Parol Termination Fact Sheet
Lista De Referencias Para Abogados De Inmigración / Proveedores De Servicios Legales De Bajo Costo