Know Your Rights: Red Cards for Immigration Protection
Purpose
The U.S. Constitution guarantees certain rights and protections to all people within the United States, regardless of their immigration status. The Immigration Legal Resource Center (ILRC) provides Red Cards as a practical tool to help individuals assert these constitutional rights, particularly during encounters with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
Your Constitutional Rights
You have certain rights under the U.S. Constitution that you can exercise if an immigration agent approaches you. If an immigration officer comes to your door, do not open it. You are not required to answer any questions, as you have the right to remain silent. Additionally, do not sign any documents without first speaking to a lawyer. If you are outside your home and an agent approaches you, ask if you are free to leave. If they confirm that you are, leave the area calmly. If you are inside your home, you may present the provided card through a window or slide it under the door to assert your rights.
Key Rights & Actions to Take:
• Do not open the door if an immigration agent knocks.
• Do not answer questions from an immigration officer. You have the right to remain silent.
• Do not sign any documents without consulting a lawyer.
• If outside your home, ask if you are free to leave. If the answer is yes, leave calmly.
• Use the provided card to assert your rights. If inside, show it through the window or slide it under the door.
Know Your Legal Protections
The following statement outlines your legal rights based on the 4th and 5th Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. This applies to both citizens and noncitizens:
“I do not wish to speak with you, answer your questions, or sign or hand you any documents based on my 5th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution. I do not give you permission to enter my home based on my 4th Amendment rights unless you have a warrant signed by a judge or magistrate with my name on it, which must be slid under the door. I do not give you permission to search any of my belongings. I choose to exercise my constitutional rights.”
These rights protect you from unlawful searches and interrogations. Always ensure that an officer presents a valid, judge-signed warrant before allowing them entry.
Printing Instructions for “Red Cards”
If you want to print these rights cards at home, use heavy-weight paper or cardstock for durability. Cut along the dotted lines. If you cannot print double-sided, fold along the center line to create a two-sided card.
For professional printing:
• Print two-sided cards.
• Use white text on red cardstock.
• Opt for rounded corners for a professional finish.
These cards are designed to help you assert your constitutional rights effectively in encounters with immigration enforcement.
How to Print Red Cards
Download an English Red Card Here
Print Shop Option (Recommended)
– Take the provided artwork files to any print or copy shop
– Standard business card size: 3.5″ x 2″
– Request rounded corners and coated finish for better durability
– Available in multiple languages to assist monolingual immigrants
Home Printing Option
– Download the artwork files from below
– Print using a personal printer
– Basic finish, though less durable than professional printing
Language Availability
Red Cards are available in multiple translations, enabling non-English speakers to effectively communicate their rights to immigration officers.
