Know Your Rights
- Welcoming Atlanta
- Oct 31, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 28
You have rights
Everyone in the United States has certain rights guaranteed under the U.S. Constitution, regardless of immigration status.
Although you cannot control your interaction with immigration or law enforcement, you can prepare for these interactions by understanding what your fundamental rights are, and how to use them to advocate for yourself.
Download printable “Know Your Rights” graphics in English, Spanish, and 10 other languages to share with your community.
View a “Know Your Rights” booklet for in-depth information about what to do in interactions with ICE and law enforcement in your home, car, and workplace. This includes examples of what a valid judicial warrant looks like.
Print a Family Preparedness Plan to ensure your family has a plan in case of an immigration emergency. Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Arabic.
Find non-profit legal service providers in Georgia.
Know how you can prepare as an employer. Visit the link for additional languages- Chinese, Korean, Spanish, and Thai.
Check out the videos from Informed Immigrant for more information!
Migrant Worker's Rights
Migrant workers have the right to be paid the applicable minimum wage for all hours worked.
You have the right to be paid on time.
You have the right to a safe work environment. One can report unsafe, unhealthy, or hazardous working conditions with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 1-800-321-6742.
An employer may try to intimidate you and say if you report them, they will fire you but that is illegal. If you think you have been retaliated against for filing a claim you can call OSHA at 1-800-321-6742, the Wage and Hour Division at 1-866-487-9243, or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission at 1-800-669-4000.
More information on Migrant Worker’s Rights can be found here.
Local resources
Immigration Services Provider List
Please note: Welcoming Atlanta does not have any financial relationship with these organizations, and we do not guarantee any results from their legal representation or assistance. Welcoming Atlanta is not responsible for the services provided by the organizations on this list. This list is not exhaustive and is offered to the public for general information purposes only.
Additional resources
There are plenty of resources available to make sure you are aware of your rights in encounters with ICE, police, and other members of law enforcement. It is important to always be prepared, so check out these additional resources we have compiled from organizers and advocates across the country!
Family Preparedness Guides
Atlanta-area attorneys created a guide to help GA immigrant families.
Stay Up-To-Date with Changing National Immigration Policy
Immigration policy is constantly evolving at the national level. Review updates around federal policy changes with Make the Road NY.
Interacting with Law Enforcement
What you need to know and what to do when encountering with law enforcement.
Were you the victim of a crime?
If you or a loved one were the victim of a crime and need help contacting police or accessing resources our Victim Assistant Specialist can help.
Call or text 470-571-6313 | Email: HSMalerba@atlantaga.gov
English | Spanish | Additional languages available upon request
For more information and free legal advice, contact Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Atlanta (404-585-8446) or CAIR Georgia (404-432-8847).
For more resources, click the links below.
Immigrant Defense Project (IDP) English – Click Here.
Immigrant Defense Project (IDP) Spanish – Click Here.
Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) English – Click Here.
Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) Spanish – Click Here.
National Immigrant Project (NIP) English – Click Here.
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) English & Spanish – Click Here.
Disclaimer:
The City of Atlanta through the Mayor’s Office of International & Immigrant Affairs (MOIIA) is committed to developing and fostering relationships between Atlanta's international communities, City departments, and external partners to empower our foreign-born population through access to information and by addressing challenges which impact immigrant communities.
The City of Atlanta has partnered with internal City departments and community-based organizations to equip immigrant families with information to understand their rights and responsibilities during interactions with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and law enforcement. The information and resources (“Know Your Rights” or “Resources”) provided herein are intended to help immigrant communities understand their rights under U.S. law and in accordance with current federal policies. These resources are not intended as legal advice and should not be a substitute for personalized legal counsel. All resources are provided as a service to assist individuals in understanding their rights, however immigrant communities should consult a qualified legal professional for legal guidance tailored to their unique situation.
The Resources have been compiled from community-based organizations and advocacy groups and are provided solely as an educational and informational tool. The content of the information contained is provided in good faith, and the City of Atlanta makes no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, or applicability of any information shared in these compiled resources. Individuals are encouraged to conduct their own due diligence and to fact-check information. The City of Atlanta does not provide legal advice. By accessing these resources, you acknowledge that the City of Atlanta and its representatives are not liable for any legal consequences arising from the use or reliance on this information. By accessing the resources, the user acknowledges that the City of Atlanta is subject to the Georgia Open Records Act O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.
The City of Atlanta expressly states that all Resources are from independent organizations, and these organizations do not represent or act on behalf of the City of Atlanta. The inclusion of any organization or advocacy group listed as a resource does not imply affiliation with The City of Atlanta or the Mayor’s Office of International and Immigrant Affairs. Information provided herein is intended to educate and advise immigrants of their rights on a non-partisan basis and inclusion does not constitute agreement or endorsement by the City of Atlanta of any views, opinions or positions on policy matters.
Although these Resources strive to offer accurate and current information, immigration laws and policies, including those enforced by federal authorities, are subject to change. The Resources are not intended to contravene or circumvent any federal, state, or city laws, including any executive orders issued by the U.S. Executive Office related to immigration enforcement, including detention and deportations. The City of Atlanta neither supports nor endorses actions that violate federal, state, or local immigration laws or regulations.
LINKS TO THIRD-PARTY WEBSITES
The Resources provided may be hyperlinks to third-party Internet websites not under the control of the City of Atlanta. The City of Atlanta makes no claims or guarantees about the accuracy of the contents of any third-party website and expressly disclaims liability for errors and omissions in its contents. The City of Atlanta does not assume any responsibility or liability for any information, communications or materials available at any linked sites, or at any link contained within a linked site. The third-party links are provided for information only and the City of Atlanta does not intend the third-party links to be endorsements or referrals of the linked entities. You assume the sole responsibility for use of third-party links and understand and agree that any material downloaded or otherwise obtained through the use of the website is done at your own risk and discretion. By accessing any third-party website, you release the City from any liability for any injury to any person or property caused by accessing a third-party website via a link on the City's website
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