Know Your Rights
Please Note: The resources listed here do not constitute legal advice and are provided for informational purposes only. Should a concern arise, individuals are strongly recommended to promptly seek the advice of an attorney to discuss their unique circumstances.
It is WOU’s standard practice to refer all federal immigration officials and related inquiries to Campus Public Safety and the Office of the General Counsel. Consult Campus Public Safety and/or the Office of the General Counsel before responding to any request for immigration information.
Everyone has rights in the United States. Regardless of your immigration status, you have guaranteed rights under the constitution. Learn more about your rights below.
Know Your Rights
If you or someone you know is approached by law enforcement, attempt to stay calm and do not run.
The Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC) provides, Know Your Rights (Red Cards)
You have constitutional rights:
- You do not have to open the door if an immigration agent is knocking on the door.
- You do not have to answer questions from an immigration agent if they try to talk to you. You have the right to remain silent.
- You have the right to speak with a lawyer. You do not have to sign anything or show documents without first speaking to a lawyer.
- If you are outside of your home, ask the agent if you are free to leave and if they say yes, leave calmly.
Red Cards are available on campus at the office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (Admin 106), Human Resources (Admin 305), and the Information Desk (Werner University Center, 2nd Floor).
Know Your Rights resources for immigrant-origin and mixed status families
- ACLU Oregon | Rapid Response Plan if ICE Comes to Your Community ACLU of Oregon’s educational information about your rights and what to do if immigration enforcement comes to your community.
- Know Your Rights | Immigrants’ Rights The ACLU provides resources and recommendations for immigrant-origin individuals and breaks down scenarios to help with planning and preparedness.
- Know Your Rights and What Immigrants Families Should Do Now The Immigrant Legal Resource Center provides documents in multiple languages about what everyone should know if approached by immigration enforcement.
- Step-By-Step Preparedness Plan The Immigrant Legal Resource Center recommends that every family should have a family preparedness plan in case of an emergency.
- Know Your Rights The Informed Immigrant was founded in 2016, and continually evolves with the changing needs of immigrant-origin individuals and communities. They provide information about rights and responsibilities.
- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) United State government website explaining DACA rights and the renewal process.
Who to Call
For on campus concerns in Monmouth and at the Center for Graduate Studies in Salem, it is WOU’s standard practice to refer all federal immigration officials and related inquiries to Campus Public Safety (call or text 503.838.9000) and the Office of the General Counsel (call 503.838.9471). Consult Campus Public Safety and/or the Office of the General Counsel before responding to any request for immigration information. Campus Public Safety is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Additional resources to consider in support of our communities
- The National Immigration Law Center operates an online resource directory, including Know Your Rights guides on various topics: information on warrants and subpoenas, healthcare and insurance access, safety in the workplace, and more.
- The Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. has guides specifically for students and parents relating to school, as well as rights in the workplace.
- The Northwest Immigrant Rights Project issued an advisory guide to nonprofits and social services providers, with procedures for how to respond to immigration enforcement.
- The American League of Teachers has provided a guide for educators on protecting the rights of immigrant students.
- The Innovation Law Lab has compiled a Safeguarding Oregon Schools toolkit on behalf of educators, administrators, and school districts.
- The National Immigration Law Center has a guide for what to do if immigration comes to your workplace
