Rights of Immigrants CT Alliance for Basic Human Needs 65 Hungerford St., Hartford 860-904-5431 pserrecchia@cabhn.org www.cabhn.org CTAllianceforBasicHumanNeeds

The Hartford Equal Justice Collaborative (HEJC) What is HEJC? CT Alliance for Basic Human Needs (CABHN) CT Women’s Education and Legal Fund (CWEALF) Statewide Legal Services (SLS)

If the Police Question You- at Work or On The Street You must answer if they ask your name You don’t have to answer any other questions Ask if you are free to go. If the answer is yes, calmly walk away. It is not best to lie, carry false documents, or carry documents from another country.

If the Police or Immigration- Come to Your Home You have the right: Not to open the door unless they have a warrant to enter your home. To see the warrant before you let them in your home. Sometimes a warrant only allows them to search some areas of your home. If they do not have a warrant, you have the right to tell them they can’t come in. If they enter anyway, you have the right to ask for names and badge numbers of the officers. If the police take items from your home, keep a record of what they took and ask for a receipt for the items.

If You Are Arrested You have the right to: Refuse to answer any questions EXCEPT “What is your name?” Ask to speak with your lawyer and make a phone call. Memorize the phone number of your lawyer or family member who is in the United States legally. Not give information about your legal status. Refuse to sign documents.

Domestic Violence Anyone can be arrested for domestic violence. VAWA Self Petition- If you are a victim of abuse from a spouse or parent who is a US citizen, you may be able to get a green card VAWA Cancellation of Removal- If you were abused by your spouse or parent and you are in DEPORTATION proceedings, ask the Immigration Judge to stop the removal proceeding. Conditional Residents can file a petition to remove the conditions on your residency without involving your spouse. You don’t need to wait the two years to change your status from “conditional” to “permanent.”

Going to Court Regardless of legal status, ANYONE can: File for divorce if you or your spouse lived in Connecticut for one year. Get a custody order or child support. For help collecting child support, call Support Enforcement Services at 800-228-5437. Get a court order to protect yourself from domestic violence. Fight employment discrimination. Appear in housing court. If you are a victim of a crime the police probably will NOT report you to immigration officials unless you are accused of committing a crime. Crime victims who help the police may be eligible for certain types of immigration visas that can help you get a work permit and eventually qualify for legal permanent residence. NOTE: If you are going to court and you do not speak English, bring a translator.

Visas and Asylum U Visas are for victims of violent crime that help with the criminal investigation. T Visas are for victims of human trafficking that help with the criminal investigation. Asylum- you may be eligible if you came to the US because you were persecuted, or fear that you will be persecuted due to your race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group; or political opinion To find out if you qualify for asylum, talk to: Jerome N. Frank Legal Services 203-432-4800 UConn School of Law Asylum and Human Rights Clinic 860-570-5165