Most immigrants don’t know about their basic rights as immigrants in the United States. But, do they have any rights? If yes, what are their rights? These questions are often raised by immigrants in various forums. Are you an immigrant in the USA and want to know what rights do you have? Wildes and Weinberg have experienced and qualified immigration lawyers who will help you understand your rights in the USA. Below we have explained some of the basic rights of immigrants in the U.S.
Employment rights of immigrants - Whatever your legal status is? If you’re an immigrant in the United States, you have all the right to get at least the minimum wage as a full-time employer. You also possess a legal right to receive overtime wages.
You’re entitled to be treated well and get fair wages at your workplace. You cannot be forced to work if you’re not willing, and no one can keep your passport and other identification documents. If exploitation of these rights, you may ask help from immigrants, labor rights, unions, and other groups to report abuse. You can also approach Wildes and Weinberg and their expert lawyers will help you seek justice in the U.S. courts.
You also have a right to work in a place free from hazards. Employers should keep away hazardous materials from the workplace and provide safety gears if necessary.
Rights against unlawful arrest - Well, the good is that an immigrant in the U.S. has a right against unlawful arrest. A U.S. immigration officer can arrest you without a warrant only if he finds that you are living in the United States illegally and you will escape before issuing a warrant for your arrest.
Rights against unlawful seizures and searches - Except for emergency cases, immigration authorities require a warrant signed by a judge to conduct a search in your home. You’re entitled to refuse authorities entry into your home if they don’t have a valid warrant issued by a judge. To search an immigrant’s workplace, an officer needs to come with a valid search or arrest warrant or need to have employer’s permission.
Rights to remain silent - If you are ever questioned and do not have your documents with you, or you are an undocumented foreigner, you can remain silent about your current immigration status. However, the right to remain silent may be applied by you at any place when enquired by authorities.
Right to hire a lawyer - You have a right to consult and hire an immigration lawyer.
Right to sign a document - You can refuse to sign any immigration document and ask to speak to your lawyer before signing.
If you’re an immigrant in the United States, it’s important to get yourself familiar with your rights as a US immigrant.
