Navigating the U.S. immigration system can feel confusing and stressful. Rules change often, enforcement actions increase, and many immigrants worry about what could happen during interviews, travel, or interactions with immigration officers.
But here’s the truth: You have legal rights, no matter your immigration status. Knowing these rights can protect you, your family, and your future.
This guide breaks down the most important rights every immigrant should understand—and how to use them.
If you are inside the United States, you have the right to be represented by an attorney when dealing with:
This includes interviews, detentions, and removal proceedings.
While the government does not provide free lawyers in immigration cases, you are always allowed to hire your own lawyer.
📌 If you have an upcoming interview, hearing, or immigration concern, speak with an attorney before taking action.
Contact Godoy Law Office at 630-345-4164 for guidance.
Never sign anything you do not understand. You have the right to:
Many immigrants accidentally sign voluntary departure or other documents that harm their cases.
Understanding your rights can prevent serious long-term consequences.
If ICE approaches you, you do not have to answer questions about:
You can calmly say:
👉 “I am exercising my right to remain silent.”
If ICE detains you, you have the right to:
Do not sign any paperwork until a lawyer reviews it.
📌 If you or a loved one has been detained, call us immediately at 630-345-4164. Our removal defense team is ready to help.
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers can:
They have broad authority, especially if they suspect fraud or security issues.
A refusal at the border can lead to:
Knowing what CBP can and cannot do helps protect your ability to return to the U.S.
📌 Traveling soon? Schedule a travel-risk consultation so you know what to expect at the border.
Scammers often target immigrants with false promises. Protect yourself by:
Real immigration lawyers are licensed, trained, and accountable.
Understanding your rights helps you:
Knowledge is one of the most important tools you have.
No. ICE cannot enter without a signed warrant from a judge. You can ask them to slide the warrant under the door.
An ICE administrative warrant is not enough.
Yes. You may bring an attorney to most immigration interviews, including green card, asylum, and naturalization interviews.
Yes, CBP has the legal authority to search electronic devices. You can ask for a supervisor, but refusing a search may have consequences.
The immigration system is complicated—and mistakes can cost you years of your life.
You should never face immigration officials, court hearings, or border questioning without knowing your rights.
At Godoy Law Office, our attorneys help immigrants stay safe, informed, and protected every step of the way. Whether you’re applying for status, preparing for travel, or facing enforcement actions, we’re here to guide you.
👉 Call us today at 630-345-4164 to schedule a consultation and protect your rights
🌐 Serving clients from 8 office locations: Oak Brook • Waukegan • Elgin • Orland Park • Berwyn • Aurora • Joliet •Chicago (Beverly)
Immigration Attorney Mario Godoy has years of experience guiding clients with immigration issues through the immigration process along with guiding clients through the criminal case. Godoy focuses on family-based immigration law, business immigration law, removal defense, and criminal defense representation of immigrants. A criminal charge or conviction can be devastating to your immigration case. With over a decade of immigration law experience and memories of family members who were deported due to bad legal advice, Godoy is committed to helping other immigrant families receive the legal justice they deserve. As a legal entrepreneur who practices immigration law, criminal law, estate and probate law, and running two successful law firms, Mario Godoy understands the importance of keeping families together and making a home and future in America.
