Information for Immigrants and Refugees Know Your Rights
• The links on this page are available in multiple languages •
If you are an immigrant or refugee who is not a legal citizen of the United States you may be at increased risk of detention and deportation proceedings after January 20. You should know your rights and be prepared to exercise those rights if you are approached by law enforcement or ICE. > A bi-lingual video explaining your rights is available at: catholiccharitiesdubuque.org/kyr > A printed handout explaining your rights is available at: https://bit.ly/KYR-Handout
If you are at risk of detention and deportation, you should take steps to protect your loved ones. > Suggestions for making a family safety plan are available at: https://bit.ly/family-safety-plan You should protect your children and your property by completing these legal forms which designate a person of your choice to care for your children and your property if you are detained or deported: > https://bit.ly/POA-Minor-Child > https://bit.ly/POA-Personal-Property (NOTE: these forms must be signed in the presence of a Notary Public available at your bank, credit union, Waterloo Public Library, the County Auditor’s Office, and most lawyers' offices. Proof of identity is required to have a document notarized.) You should make sure that all of your legal documents, papers, and contact information are stored in a safe place where a family member could find them if you are detained. Keep a list of your lawyer’s phone number and other important phone numbers with you in case your cell phone is confiscated.
If you are at risk of detention and deportation, your safest place is your home. You may deny entrance to anyone who does ot have an arrest warrant, signed by a judge, and specifically naming you. You have the right to remain silent if you are questioned by law enforcement or ICE when a lawyer is not present. > You can copy and print a statement explaining your silence at: https://bit.ly/immigration-wallet-card If you have questions about protecting yourself and your family you should contact an attorney who practices immigration law, Catholic Charities Immigration Services, or an immigrant advocacy organization such as Cedar Valley Advocates for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. > The local Catholic Charities office is at 3835 W. 9th Street in Waterloo. Phone: 319-340-4304. > A list of immigration lawyers and immigrant advocacy organizations in Iowa is available at https://bit.ly/iowa-legal-aid
Notice The information provided here and in the links on this page is informational. It is not intended as legal advice and is not a substitute for legal advice of your own counsel. We will update this information as necessary at waterloocatholics.org/immigrant-rights