Share

Know your rights as a refugee in the USA

Refugees and asylees have certain rights in the USA. Learn about your rights and how to protect yourself in certain situations.


This information is meant to educate you about refugee rights. It should not be in any way considered legal advice. Our intention is for people to be prepared and not scared.

  • Non-U.S. citizens, including lawful permanent residents, refugees and asylees, generally have the same rights as citizens.
  • If you believe your rights have been violated, you should talk to a lawyer.
  • If you or your family members are ever in need of emergency assistance, immediately call 911.

Introduction to refugee rights

We are living in difficult times. Actions in the last four years against refugee resettlement, refugees and immigrants in the United States have created fear and concerns for many. Everyone has rights, including refugees, asylum seekers, asylees, immigrants, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), U.S. citizens, and undocumented individuals in the United States.

We all deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of where we are from or how we pray. We all have rights. This page is meant to provide refugees with urgently needed information about refugee rights. You must know your rights in response to the important issues facing our communities. This resource is not intended to create fear of law enforcement entities.  It is important to understand that emergency service personnel (police, medical personnel, and firefighters) are available to help any person in an emergency. Always call 911 in an emergency.

Your refugee rights at home

What if federal agents come to my home to talk to me?

There have been reports of agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and/or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) visiting refugees’ homes to talk to them.

Here is what you can do if someone tries to enter your home:

Do not open the door

Immigration enforcement or the FBI can’t come into your home without a warrant. If a warrant is presented, check the date and signature. If it is signed by a judge and the date is valid, you must let them in and can exercise your right to remain silent. If a warrant is not presented, they can only come in if you or someone else invites them in.

Do not speak

In the USA, you have the right to be silent and not say anything to the police. Anything you say can and will be used against you in court. You can tell the agents, “I plead the Fifth Amendment” and do not speak.

Call a lawyer

There are free and low-cost lawyers who can help you. You can find a pro bono lawyer on Immigrationlawhelp.org. And you can contact your local ACLU.

Do not sign anything

Don’t sign your name on any papers without talking to a lawyer.

Stay strong

Get a trustworthy lawyer. Also, ask your community to advocate for you. If you are detained, you may be able to get bail and be released. Don’t give up hope.

Remember: you have the right to choose not to answer any questions.

Your right to travel

Can I still travel outside of the USA with refugee status or a green card?

We recommend individuals from six countries – Syria, Iran, Sudan, Somalia, Yemen and Libya – do not travel at this time, unless it is extremely urgent or an emergency.

  • There is a high risk of traveling outside the USA for individuals who do not have US citizenship.

Remember: If you do travel, you will need to bring your documents with you.

Your right to be safe in your community

What if I am a victim of harassment in my home or neighborhood?

  • Your refugee status grants you legal status in the United States, and you have the right to receive the same treatment as US citizens.
  • Your local police are there to serve you as a member of the community and protect you when you need it. If you are the victim of a crime, you should immediately call the police: 911.
  • If you feel that you are in danger, or if someone is making threats against you or your family, do not try to talk to them or confront them. You should immediately call the police by dialing 911.
  • If you are worried about your safety, talk to someone at your refugee resettlement agency or to a lawyer.

Remember: call 911 if you or someone you know is in danger.

Find help near you

Find legal help, English classes, health clinics, housing support, and more. Search a local map and list of services for immigrants in the USA with the app FindHello.

Start your search

Your right to practice your religion

Can I practice my faith without any fear of being victimized?

You have a constitutional right to practice your religion. You have the right to go to a place of worship, attend and hear sermons and religious lectures, participate in community activities, and pray in public. If you experience religious discrimination or are targeted because of religion, contact the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR).

Remember: the law is on your side to protect you.

Your right to advocate for your community

As a refugee, you are a very important advocate. Your voice can have a great impact because you are a refugee. You have the right to:

  • Call and meet with elected officials in your town, state, and in Congress to develop a relationship, educate them about your contribution to the community, and seek their support for refugee resettlement and issues you care about.
  • Share your story as a refugee to help transform the public narrative about refugees.
  • Join diverse voices such as resettlement staff, faith leaders, employers, military veterans, other refugee leaders, and supportive community members to take action together.

Remember: your voice matters.

Lawful permanent residents who are accused of crimes

If you are not yet a citizen and you are arrested or accused of a crime, make sure your lawyer understands your immigration status because minor offenses can result in deportation for non-US citizens. Pleading guilty as part of a plea bargain can jeopardize your legal status and could eventually lead to removal.

If you have a criminal conviction on your record, it is recommended that you contact a lawyer to understand all your options. If you are able to get a “set aside” or “expunge” your conviction, this could clear your record, but the laws are different in each state, so it is best to consult a lawyer about these questions.

Remember: talk to a lawyer if you are accused of even a minor crime.

Your refugee rights if you are interviewed by a federal agent

Agents from the FBI or DHS may seek to talk with you. You have the right to decline to be interviewed, but this can be viewed with suspicion. Talk to your lawyer or representative from your resettlement agency first about the interview request.

If you agree to an interview, you have the right to have an attorney present. You can find legal services from CLINIC or from AILA.

  • You can choose the time and place for the interview.
  • You can request to know what the questions will be at the interview and have an interpreter present.
  • Do not give any false information during your interview. You do not have to answer all the questions you are asked, if you are not comfortable.
  • If you are waiting for your family member to be resettled to the USA, it may take longer, but they still have the same opportunity to apply for resettlement.

Remember: you MUST NOT give false information during your interview. It will be considered a criminal offense and may result in negative consequences.

Be aware of law enforcement surveillance

Entrapment

Entrapment is a practice whereby a law enforcement officer induces a person to commit a criminal offense that the person may have otherwise been unlikely to commit. Since undercover agents sometimes may monitor Muslim or immigrant communities, it is important to always maintain situational awareness and consciousness, hold true to your values, and not be lured into activities that could be illegal.

Surveillance

You and your families may experience some form of surveillance. The purpose of surveillance is to gather information and the techniques can be categorized into three types: covert, overt, and electronic surveillance:

  • Covert surveillance is when the individual is not able to detect someone gathering information on them. This can be done by following the individual from a distance, searching through garbage receptacles left of public property, and using microphones to listen in on conversations.
  • Overt surveillance is visible and is what is being most frequently reported by refugee communities. This type of surveillance can be accomplished by knocking on doors and asking questions, openly talking to neighbors, etc.
  • Electronic surveillance focuses on monitoring internet, website pages, and using listening devices. Overall, surveillance is a legal process used by local, state, and federal law enforcement. The specific laws and regulations vary from state to state and it is advised to speak with a lawyer if you feel you are under surveillance.

Monitoring of internet activities

Be careful not to visit websites that might hold extremist ideologies or engage in online conversations with others who might hold radical views.

There is often a generation gap between how parents are accustomed to using the internet and how children or youth use social media. Talk to your children and teenagers about what are appropriate internet sites to visit and what you expect them to avoid. Monitor your children and teenagers’ activity online and encourage them not to visit websites or participate in online activity that could be perceived as problematic. Consider setting guidelines ahead of time or even using software that can restrict their use.

Remember: it is important to be careful about what websites you visit. Do not visit sites with extremist views because the government could think you are connected to terrorism.

Additional information and resources about refugee rights

There are many organizations that offer helpful information and resources about your rights and ways to keep yourself, your family, and your community safe. Unfortunately, there are also rumors and false information circulating on social media and online communities, as well as scams that seek to take advantage of refugees and other immigrants. Please make sure that you seek information from credible sources, especially when searching for information online.

Download this information about refugee rights in other languages

We prepared these materials in partnership with Church World Services (CWS). CWS has posted the information in four other languages:


The information on this page comes from Church World Service and other trusted sources. We aim to offer easy to understand information that is updated regularly. This information is not legal advice.

Share