Introduction
Immigration laws in the U.S. are extremely complex and many individuals are unfamiliar with their rights under Immigration Law, Ley 236 de Inmigración. In this article we will outline ten key rights to know, but be advised that laws are constantly changing so who knows what will happen next.
Vasquez Law Firm: Expert Immigration Legal Services
We can assist you with all aspects of Immigration Law, whether you need help obtaining a Green Card or are facing a deportation hearing. We have a bilingual staff, so we can answer all of your questions in English or Spanish.
At Vasquez Law Firm, we have served more than 30,000 families. Our team of advocates have a 98% success rate in fighting to protect our clients’ rights. We have created many payment options to serve our diverse client base. We offer free initial consultations and our attorneys are committed to protecting our clients’ rights and best interests.
At Vasquez Law Firm, we continue to give back to the community by completing pro bono work as well as organizing Know Your Rights workshops in both English and Spanish. By choosing Vasquez Law Firm, you are not just choosing another law firm to represent you in your immigration case. Instead, you are joining a community of individuals who care about fighting for the rights of others and helping them achieve their future goals.
Know Your Rights Under the U.S. Constitution
At Vasquez Law Firm, we understand that sometimes people can feel they are being unfairly treated simply because of their nationality or because they are legal residents of the U.S. However, all individuals, whether citizens or not, are protected by the Constitution. This means that everyone has the right to due process, the right to remain silent when necessary, and the right to seek the assistance of counsel.
Although it may seem as though the system is against you, you have rights that can be used your way. For example, just last week the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled in a case brought by non-citizens subject to mandatory detention that they have the right to have their detention challenged and to a bond hearing within 90 days of their detention.
In fact, according to the most recent statistics available, more than 50% of the people currently held in ICE custody are there for immigration violations only. It is therefore very important for individuals who have come to this country as newcomers to learn their rights as well as the various avenues of relief that are available to them.
For example, should you be served with a subpoena or contacted by ICE, you have the right to remain silent and to immediately request the assistance of counsel. Remember that you have no obligation to open up your door to ICE unless they have a warrant to enter your home and that such a warrant must have been signed by a judge.
At Vasquez Law Firm, we are committed to serving the needs of our clients by providing a variety of services including immigration law assistance and understanding the rights of our clients. We offer a variety of payment options to assist our clients in paying for our services. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to handle any urgent matters that may arise. Our team is here to help you fight against the system and to assist you in asserting all of your rights.
Maintain Valid Immigration Documentation
If you are planning a relocation to a foreign country for work or other reasons, you will need to obtain the proper immigration documents to enter the country and to remain in the country legally. A visa is required for entry to a foreign country and a Green Card is required for lawful permanent residence. The requirements for obtaining and renewing these documents are very specific and failure to comply with these requirements could result in serious consequences for individuals present in the country illegally including possible deportation.
Hundreds of thousands of newcomers to the U.S. live in North Carolina and in Florida. They comprise more than 18% of the U.S. labor force in 2024. It is so very important to these individuals and their families to maintain proper immigration status. It is very important for these individuals to always have a copy of their immigration documents with them and to immediately notify the appropriate government authorities of any changes in status.
Failure to comply with the requirements for proper immigration status could bring much stress and fear to these individuals and their families. But help is available for individuals and their families in these types of situations. You should contact an immigration attorney to assist with your situation.
William Vasquez, an experienced immigration attorney, advises individuals and their families to contact an immigration attorney. The Vasquez Law Firm, where William Vasquez practices immigration law, is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to handle all urgent immigration matters. Free immigration consultations are available to explain the specifics of your situation without cost or obligation.
In some of our past immigration posts, we have used case studies including examples on how to handle ICE activity, to demonstrate the importance of always having all of the required documents with you at all times and how having all of the required documents with you at all times can assist you in addressing your inquiries from ICE agents quickly and avoiding problems with them.
Right to Legal Representation in Immigration Matters
Fighting for one’s future self in a foreign land can be quite a lonely struggle. For individuals who find themselves in the United States as foreign nationals, they are entitled to representation in proceedings regarding their right to reside in this country. If you are a newcomer to the US, seeking the services of an experienced immigration lawyer would greatly aid in your quest to understand the complexities of the immigration process and to have effective representation before the immigration court. In fact, more than 50% of individuals facing removal from the US are proceeding through the immigration proceedings with no attorney at all. Unfortunately, individuals with attorneys are winning their cases at a rate of 10.5 to 1. Why? Immigration advocacy.
The data for North Carolina for foreign nationals newcomers is approximately 28.2%. All newcomers to the U.S. would greatly benefit from the advice of an experienced immigration lawyer in order to properly safeguard their interests and rights. The Vasquez Law Firm has handled over 30,000 cases and offers free consultations for the first meeting to discuss the details of a given case. Recently an attorney at the Vasquez Law Firm represented a family from Ecuador who were issued a deportation order without a hearing on the charges against them and without any opportunity to present evidence in their defense. This seemed to be a clear case of serious due process violations.
However, it is very important to note that all individuals in removal proceedings have rights, and the minute a foreign national is issued a subpoena or served by ICE in relation to any matter, they must contact an attorney immediately to safeguard their interests and rights. Access to effective judicial representation in immigration proceedings is crucial to ensuring that fair hearings are held and quality outcomes are reached in all such cases. If you are planning a trip abroad or are facing removal from the U.S., contact Vasquez Law Firm to speak with an experienced immigration attorney who can advise and represent you in your quest for legal status.
Create a Safety Plan for Immigration Challenges
Are you worried about suddenly facing a legal problem? As a green card holder, you are part of the nearly 11 million immigrants living in the US with family members. As a newcomer, it is essential to have a safety plan in place for any legal problem that may arise. This includes having:
- The contact information for family and friends
- Copies of important documents
- A general idea of your rights
If there is an immigration raid and you or a family member are detained, having a plan of action in place is crucial. Who do you call? How will you let your family and friends know that you are OK? Having someone you trust act on your behalf in an emergency situation is especially important.
Of course, during an emergency you would like to be able to communicate with police, emergency services and others to explain the situation. However, for many new immigrants, this is not possible as they speak very little English. A survey from 2024 found that more than 47% of newcomers spoke English less than ‘very well’. There are over 50.2 million foreign-born individuals living in the U.S. today. That’s why it’s so important to create a safety plan for yourself and your family to be prepared for any situation that may arise.
We are available 24/7 to deal with any urgent immigration matters including those covered under the Ley 236 de Inmigración. We are committed to serving our community with love, care and respect. Free first initial consultations are offered. We can meet remotely by way of Zoom calls or by phone to discuss your rights and put you and your loved ones in the best position and prepare them for any eventuality. We are available 24/7.
Engage with Community Support Resources
There are many community organizations in Canada that support the newcomer and their family in the early days of their arrival. Not only do these organizations and support groups provide services and assistance to newcomers, but also they can help individuals understand the rules and regulations that newcomers have to follow once they arrive in Canada. Many community organizations, assistance clinics, advocacy and cultural organizations operate at local level and help the newly arrived individual to find their way and feel supported in their new community.
For example, the International Institute of Los Angeles (IILA) has received recognition for classes, programs, and services for newly arrived refugees as well as for advocacy and community work. In North Carolina and Florida alone, there are more than 300 organizations assisting new arrivals, offering assistance in locating housing and accessing health care among other services.
While community organizations can provide information on immigration rules and regulations, many other services are available to help new arrivals settle into their new lives. Connecting newcomers with appropriate services can support positive mental health and stability in the life of the newcomer.
Understand the Immigration Process and Pathways
Many individuals, including immigrants and families of current and former immigrants, are confused as to the various ways that an individual and their immediate family members can obtain legal status in the United States. While various paths to status are available to the immigrant, each with the potential to grant legal status to the individual applying for status and to that individual’s immediate family members, the individual applying for status and the family members seeking status must complete a multitude of steps in applying for status. For example, applications for family-based visas require proof that a genuine relationship exists between the applicant and the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident applying for the immigrant relative. Such evidence may include:
- Joint bank statements
- Affidavits from friends or relatives that attest to the existence and nature of the relationship between the immigrant applicant and the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident applying for the immigrant relative.
We will be diligently informing our clients as to all of the varying avenues to residency as they evolve, and be there to assist them step by step through the process.
We would be happy to set up an appointment with you to go over your individual case and give you advice. As well as explaining your rights and the judicial process, our bilingual staff is here to assist you with any language problems that you may have. At Batch Artazadegan & Naraghi we are community oriented and hold various local workshops and outreach activities in order to inform residents of their rights and the various resources that are available to assist them. In case of an emergency such as an ICE action or deportation proceedings, you have the right to remain silent and to have an attorney. We are available 24 hours a day. We have flexible payment options to ensure that our clients are able to receive the representation they need.
Stay Informed About Immigration Law Changes
Knowing your rights and getting help fast in a judicial emergency such as receiving a subpoena or immigration enforcement actions being taken against you and your family is crucial. Remember you have the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and the right not to sign any documents issued by any government agency before speaking with your attorney. The experienced immigration lawyers at Vasquez Law Firm are available 24/7 to address your judicial emergencies. We offer free initial consultations and are committed to work with our clients and their families to provide affordable legal services through our payment plans. Our experienced immigration attorneys can educate our clients and the broader community on the very important residency requirements in order to maintain lawful status and assist our clients in complying with these very important requirements.
Vasquez Law Firm is available 24/7 to handle judicial emergencies, such as receiving a subpoena or having a loved one detained by immigration enforcement. Remember that immigrants and their families have rights. They have the right to remain silent, to seek the assistance of an attorney, and to decline to sign documents issued by any government agency until they have consulted with an attorney. We encourage our clients and their families as well as the rest of the community to contact us at their earliest convenience in order to address any situation that may be considered a judicial emergency. We are committed to serving the legal needs of our clients who are immigrants and their families. In helping our clients to maintain status on their residency applications, we urge our clients and their families to take the initiative to address any problems that may arise. A free consultation with an experienced immigration attorney at the Vasquez Law Firm can provide specific advice and guidance in order to address your individual circumstances in light of the most current legal development.
Document Encounters with Immigration Authorities
Try to remember the time, place and details of your encounter with border control and try to obtain the names and badge numbers of any officers involved. It is also advisable to record any encounters with border control and to inform your legal advisors of any such encounters as soon as possible in order to provide evidence of any unlawful action by officials.
Increased enforcement by U.S. immigration authorities is creating fear among many individuals and families within our communities. While immigration enforcement actions continue to rise throughout the U.S., with 10,116 immigration-related arrests in March 2026 alone, understanding your rights and appropriate conduct during an encounter with immigration authorities can assist in ensuring your safety and rights during such encounters. It is also important to remember that all individuals within the U.S. have constitutional rights, including the right to remain silent during an encounter with immigration authorities.
All encounters with immigration authorities should be documented as they can be used as evidence in case of detention or deportation. Our prior clients have used proper documentation of their encounters with immigration authorities to successfully defend themselves against wrongful detention and deportation. Whether you are a newcomer to the U.S. or not, it is very important to protect your rights and have knowledge of the very complex and often confusing process of immigration. We are here to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We are bilingual and we have very flexible payment plans to accommodate your financial needs.
Access Benefits for Immigrant Survivors of Violence
Survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking and other crimes are often also immigrants. Thus, while many such individuals would be entitled to benefits and safe haven under the laws of the U.S., as aliens, they are denied such relief. To support these victims of crime, VAWA (the federal Violence Against Women Act) provides status and services for immigrant victims of violence. Community resources exist to represent, to counsel and to connect victims of crime with a host of public benefits.
Often, however, immigrant and non-immigrant survivors of domestic violence as well as other forms of crime are afraid to call the police because they fear deportation. Even lawful permanent residents and U.S. citizens are sometimes reluctant to go to court because of the possibility of immigration consequences. As a result of current immigration policies and practices, many victims of crime are forgoing full consideration of all of their options and are suffering in silence.
At Wasser, NC, we understand that seeking help in these circumstances is extremely difficult and we are available 24/7 to provide urgent representation and to help explain the rights and options available to you. Initial free consultations as well as affordable and flexible payment plans are available in order to remove financial means as a barrier to getting the help you need to regain control over your life.
Conclusion
US immigration is complex and often daunting for individuals attempting to make their way through the system. An individual who is an immigrant and understands their rights under Ley 236 de Inmigración will be better prepared to handle difficult situations. Below are 10 rights of an immigrant and how understanding them can help an individual to better defend themselves and their loved ones.
Remember to keep your immigration documents current and seek legal assistance as soon as possible. Also, make sure you have a safety plan in place and have access to current community resources as well as laws affecting states with diverse populations like North Carolina and Florida.
Knowing your rights as an immigrant can help you stand up for yourself and your family. At the Vasquez Law Firm, we specialize in immigration law. We are able to serve our clients who speak many different languages. We guarantee equal access to legal services. We offer free consultations and work with our clients to come up with a payment plan that will work for them. We are here to help you reach your goal of gaining stability and security for you and your family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What services does Vasquez Law Firm provide in immigration law?
Vasquez Law Firm offers assistance with all aspects of immigration law, including obtaining Green Cards and representation during deportation hearings. They also provide bilingual services in English and Spanish.
How successful is Vasquez Law Firm in handling immigration cases?
The firm has a 98% success rate in fighting to protect clients' rights and has served over 30,000 families.
Are there any payment options available for clients at Vasquez Law Firm?
Yes, Vasquez Law Firm has created various payment options to accommodate their diverse client base, including flexible payment plans.
Does Vasquez Law Firm offer free consultations?
Yes, they offer free initial consultations to discuss clients' immigration situations.
What rights do individuals have under the U.S. Constitution regarding immigration?
All individuals, regardless of citizenship status, have rights such as due process, the right to remain silent, and the right to seek legal counsel. They also have the right to challenge their detention and request a bond hearing.
What should someone do if they are contacted by ICE?
If contacted by ICE, individuals have the right to remain silent and request the assistance of counsel. They are not obligated to open their door unless ICE has a warrant signed by a judge.
Why is it important to maintain valid immigration documentation?
Maintaining valid immigration documentation is crucial to avoid serious consequences, including possible deportation. Individuals should always have copies of their immigration documents and notify authorities of any changes in status.
How can Vasquez Law Firm assist individuals facing urgent immigration matters?
Vasquez Law Firm is available 24/7 to handle urgent immigration matters and offers free consultations to explain the specifics of clients' situations without cost or obligation.
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