00:00hello everyone for years many of you have seen me ask the question what would you do when faced with
00:09a difficult situation today we're not just observing we're preparing we're going to talk
00:14about something incredibly important something that affects millions of people in this country
00:18every single day knowing your rights as an immigrant in moments of high stress and uncertainty
00:23knowledge isn't just power it's your shield it's what stands between you and a decision that could
00:28change your life and the lives of your family forever the information we're about to discuss
00:35isn't just a list of rules it's a lifeline these are practical essential tips that can help protect
00:41you your friends and your loved ones during an encounter with immigration authorities
00:45understanding what you can and cannot be compelled to do is a fundamental part of navigating the system
00:52safely and with dignity it's about ensuring that your voice is heard and your rights are respected
00:58regardless of where you were born we're here to empower you with the tools you need to face these
01:03challenging scenarios so i ask you to listen closely absorb this information not just for yourself but
01:10for your community please share this video with anyone you think might benefit from it post it send
01:17the link talk about it with your family the more people who are informed the stronger and safer our
01:22communities become because when you see someone in a vulnerable situation the question becomes what
01:28would you do to help them and the answer starts with being prepared let's begin
01:33imagine the scene you're walking down the street or maybe you're leaving work and suddenly you are
01:41approached by someone who identifies themselves as an immigration officer your heart starts to pound your
01:47mind races the first instinct for many might be panic a primal urge to flee but i'm here to tell you
01:54the most important thing you can do in that moment is to fight that instinct you must remain calm take a
02:00deep breath running away is seen as an admission of guilt and it can give officers a reason to chase
02:05and detain you escalating the situation dramatically and potentially leading to more serious consequences
02:11staying put keeping your hands visible and maintaining a calm demeanor is not a sign of weakness it's a sign of
02:18strength and control it shows that you are aware of the situation and are choosing to handle it with composure
02:24panicking or running can lead to misunderstandings and can put you and others in physical danger
02:29by staying calm you are better able to think clearly to recall the rights you have and to make rational decisions
02:36instead of reactive ones this simple act of controlling your response sets the tone for the
02:42entire encounter and is your first line of defense remember the officers are observing your every move
02:48a calm and cooperative posture while not answering questions you don't have to can de-escalate tension
02:54it allows you to manage the interaction on your terms as much as possible do not physically resist
03:00but also do not volunteer information or consent to anything out of fear your composure is your shield
03:05it protects you from making impulsive mistakes and gives you the mental space to proceed with the
03:10next crucial steps we're about to discuss so breathe stay still do not run
03:16once you've established a calm presence the questions will likely begin they might ask about
03:24your name where you're from how you entered the country or your immigration status it's a natural
03:30human tendency to want to answer to be helpful or to try and explain your situation
03:35but you must understand this fundamental right you have the right to remain silent you are not
03:41obligated to answer questions about your citizenship where you were born or how you came to the united
03:46states you can and should state clearly and politely i wish to remain silent this is not being difficult
03:53or obstructive it is exercising a constitutional right that is there to protect you anything you say
03:59can and will be used against you in immigration proceedings even seemingly harmless details can be
04:04pieced together to build a case against you you might think you're clarifying something but you could be
04:10inadvertently providing information that complicates your situation immensely saying i wish to remain
04:15silent is a complete sentence you don't need to justify it or explain why it is your legal shield so
04:21practice this phrase say it out loud i wish to remain silent get comfortable with it so if the moment ever
04:27comes the words are ready you can provide your name if you wish but you are not required to answer any
04:32other questions the officers are trained to get information from you but you are empowered by the
04:37law to withhold it by choosing silence you are not ending the conversation on their terms but taking
04:44control of what you contribute to it which in this case should be nothing
04:48during an encounter especially if you are detained you may be presented with documents and a pen
04:57officers might tell you that signing a particular form will make things easier that it will speed up
05:02the process or that it's just a standard procedure they might pressure you saying you have to sign
05:08i cannot stress this enough do not sign anything you do not fully understand and never sign any document
05:15without first consulting with an immigration lawyer that piece of paper could be a voluntary departure form
05:21which means you would be giving up your right to a hearing before an immigration judge
05:25signing a document under duress is one of the most common ways people unknowingly waive their rights
05:31once your signature is on that paper it becomes incredibly difficult to undo the consequences
05:36you could be agreeing to your own deportation admitting to things that are not true
05:40or forfeiting your chance to seek asylum or other forms of relief the pressure can be immense the
05:46language on the forms confusing and technical this is by design they are counting on your fear and
05:52confusion to get you to comply without thinking your response should be simple and firm i will not
05:58sign anything until i have spoken with my lawyer repeat this as many times as necessary do not be
06:03intimidated or rushed the contents of that document could determine your entire future in this country
06:08protecting that future is worth the temporary discomfort of refusing to sign hold on to that
06:14pen but do not use it your signature is a powerful tool and it should only be used when you are fully
06:20informed and legally represented
06:22this brings us to perhaps the most critical right you can exercise the right to legal counsel at any point
06:32during your interaction with immigration authorities whether on the street or in detention you have the
06:38right to speak to a lawyer this is your lifeline to navigating the complexities of the immigration
06:43system an attorney understands the law the procedures and the tactics that may be used against you
06:49they are your advocate your representative and your guide through what can be a terrifying process
06:56so how do you exercise this right you must ask for it clearly simply state i want to speak to a lawyer
07:02this is another one of those key phrases you need to commit to memory once you have requested a lawyer
07:08law enforcement should cease questioning you until your attorney is present do not let them talk you
07:13out of it they might say it will take too long or that you don't need one if you have nothing to hide
07:17do not fall for it insist on your right to counsel it is a non-negotiable part of due process that is
07:24there to protect everyone regardless of their immigration status if you are detained you have the right to a list of
07:30pro bono or free legal service providers you also have the right to make a phone call use that call
07:35to contact your family and a lawyer if you don't have a lawyer have a plan in place know the number
07:40of an immigration attorney or a legal aid organization that your family can call on your behalf preparing
07:46this information in advance is a vital step your lawyer is your strongest ally in this fight make sure
07:51you call for their help the principles we've discussed apply everywhere but there are special
07:59rules when it comes to your home and your workplace your home is your most protected space immigration
08:05officers cannot enter your home without a warrant signed by a judge a warrant is a specific legal
08:10document it will have a judge's name and signature your address and the areas to be searched if officers
08:15knock on your door do not open it instead ask them to slide the warrant under the door or hold it up to a
08:21window so you can inspect it if they don't have a warrant you do not have to let them in you can
08:26say i do not consent to a search of my home if they claim to have a warrant check it carefully make
08:31sure it is a judicial warrant not an administrative warrant which is for deportation and does not allow
08:36them to enter your home if they force their way in do not physically resist but clearly state i do not
08:42consent to this entry or to this search this is crucial for your legal case later the same rules apply
08:48to your property like your car do not consent to a search at your workplace the situation can be different
08:54an employer may have given consent for officers to be in the public areas of the business
08:59however you still have your personal rights you have the right to remain silent and the right to
09:03not sign anything if approached stay calm and do not run ask if you are free to leave if they say yes
09:10then walk away calmly if they say no you're being detained and you should immediately state that you wish
09:16to remain silent and want to speak with a lawyer knowing your rights in these specific locations
09:21is key to protecting yourself and those around you
09:26we've covered a lot today and i know it can feel overwhelming but remember being prepared is your
09:32greatest strength these tips staying calm remaining silent refusing to sign asking for a lawyer and
09:39knowing your rights at home and work are your tools for protection they are your way of ensuring
09:44that you are treated with the dignity and respect that you deserve it's not about being defiant it's
09:50about being informed it's about understanding the rules of a very serious game a game that can have
09:55life-altering consequences please do not let this conversation end here share this information talk
10:01to your family your neighbors and your friends the more people in our community who know their rights the
10:06safer we all become create a safety plan memorize a lawyer's phone number write it down and keep it with you
10:13knowledge is a collective shield and by sharing it you are helping to build a stronger more resilient
10:18community that looks out for one another that is the true spirit of asking what would you do it's
10:24about taking action before the crisis hits if you or someone you know is facing an immigration issue
10:30do not hesitate to seek qualified legal help there are many non-profit organizations and immigration
10:35lawyers who are dedicated to helping people navigate this system you are not alone stay informed stay
10:41strong and stay together thank you for watching thanks for stopping by today hot reels if you
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