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We ARE ONE - LAUSD

Know Your Immigration Rights

 

The Los Angeles Unified School District is committed to ensuring a safe learning environment for all LAUSD students and families regardless of immigration status. The following are important rights and information on how to access legal assistance. 

Overview

 
  1. You have the right not to share your immigration status, country of origin, or how you entered the country with anyone-including law enforcement
  2. You have the right to privacy and safety in your home-law enforcement and immigration agents need a warrant to enter your home.
  3. If you are detained or arrested, you have the right to remain silent AND the right to an attorney. You need to SAY that you want to remain silent and that you want an attorney. 
  4. If you are under 18, you have the right to have an adult with you when talking to government officials (including law enforcement).

Learn What Legal Options Are Available

 

    1. Attend a screening with a local nonprofit legal aid organization experienced in immigration law to learn about different immigration options.

There are different avenues for permanent immigration status such as:

  • Victims of crimes
  • People afraid to return to their home countries due to persecution or torture, including individuals who identify as LGBTQ+
  • Minors who have been abandoned, abused or neglected by one or both of their parents
    Trafficking victims
    Victims of domestic violence
    Green card/lawful permanent residence through a family member or based on employment
     
    2. Make sure that you get advice from either a licensed attorney or OLAP-qualified representative.
     
    Find a reduced or free attorney at: LawHelpCA - Legal aid and legal help near you or ImmigrationLawHelp.org | Helping low-income immigrants find legal help | ImmigrationLawhelp.org*

    *Source: California Department of Justice - Resources for California’s Immigrant Communities
     
     
    3. Do not sign a document without seeking legal advice first.
Create A Safety Plan Together with Your Family
 
1. Important Questions to Consider
Who will care for any minors?
Who will pay the bills?
How will you fight against deportation?
 
2. Memorize important phone numbers or keep it in a safe place that all family members and emergency contacts can access.
 
3. Memorize your A number and/or family member’s A number or keep it in a safe place that all family members and emergency contacts can access.
 
4. Ensure that your school has updated emergency contact information including phone number and that the emergency contact has authorization to pick you up from school.
 
5. Keep your important items such as passport, identity information, proof of physical presence in the U.S. and financial information in a safe place and share with the emergency contact and your family.
 
6. If you are concerned you may be arrested/deported, provide written authorization for your emergency contact to make medical and legal decisions for your child.