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Frequently-Asked-Questions

Which legal groups plan to challenge the Resolution and the County?
The following team of prominent civil rights lawyers and a major private law firm have announced their intention to file a lawsuit to stop the implementation of any illegal policies arising from the County's Resolution: the Puerto Rican Legal Defense & Education Fund (www.PRLDEF.org), Washington Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs (www.washlaw.org), and Howrey LLP (www.howrey.com).

I am very worried about how the Resolution and County's actions will affect me. Should I stop using the county's health clinics, not go to the library, not let my children go to the public schools? Should I sell my home and plan to move?
Remain calm. Panic and fear are harmful and counter-productive. The most important thing you can do is stay informed. Make short-term and long-term plans. As of July 26, 2007 we are unaware of any County agency seeking to report undocumented client users of services to Police or to ICE.

What if police or a county worker stops me or asks me about my immigration status or asks if I am lawfully in the US? What should I do?
This is a difficult and complex matter which depends on context and circumstances. When driving or riding in a car, be ready to present your driver's license. Police have a legitimate right to ask for your name and address. If you are asked about your immigration or citizenship status or your nationality or what country you are from or your birthplace, please know that this information is not necessary to disclose. You may want to say:

• "I live in X county and state"
• "How is that relevant?"
• "Am I under arrest?" If you are told you are being arrested, you can demand not to answer and that you want to speak to a lawyer.

Do not to give up information about your nationality if you are being asked questions by an ICE immigration agent or any "unfriendly" person IF in fact you are not in-status or are undocumented. Any such admission authorizes the ICE agent to demand proof of your legal status. Having no such proof, you'll likely be interrogated, arrested and detained.

It is important to write down specific information regarding any encounters you might have with the police or county officials. Names, badge numbers, dates, and locations are key facts. Whether you are documented or not, let the legal team know if police officers or county employees are asking about immigration-related information - please contact us.

What can I do to help prepare myself and family members?
Do not use or present any fraudulent or false ID documents. You may want o have some examples of post-marked bills and mail to help establish where you live. It is advisable that you take extra caution when driving; abide by the traffic laws; be sure each passenger in your vehicle is wearing a seatbelt; and be sure that your tail-lights and head-lights are working properly.

Contact us today to see how you can help!

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