What Can We Do to Support Immigrant Rights?

The central theme of President Trump’s administration has been to arrest and expel immigrants in what he claims will be “the largest deportation operation in American history.” Almost in the same breath, he has claimed the sweep would only target “murderers, drug dealers, gang members, and people from mental institutions” who were illegally released into the U.S.

Tragically, to meet exorbitant goals, ICE agents are arresting far more than murderers, drug dealers, and gang members, often detaining long-time residents and U.S. citizens.

Many of those detained don’t know their constitutional rights. If they did, they might avoid being sent to a detention center. We can only hope.

To help immigrants and citizens understand their rights, the Immigration Legal Resource Center (ILRC) has created business cards — called Red Cards — that provide guidelines, such as:

– Do not open the door if an immigration agent is knocking on the door.

– Do not answer any questions from an immigration agent if they try to talk to you. You have the right to remain silent.

– Do not sign anything without first speaking to a lawyer. You have the right to speak with a lawyer.

– Give this card to the agent. If you are inside your home, show the card through the window or slide it under the door.

The text on one side of the card is in English, the opposite in another language.

We ordered 250 cards in English/Spanish for members and friends to give to anyone who might be targeted and to leave where immigrants may visit. You may pick them up at AUUF on Sundays.

Additionally you can visit https://www.ilrc.org/red-cards-tarjetas-rojas to learn how to order red cards, print your own in many languages and effectively use them.