Know Your
Immigration Rights

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Immigration

Know Your Rights

No matter your immigration status, you have rights under the U.S. Constitution. If you are questioned by immigration agents or law enforcement, knowing your rights can help protect you and your family. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe and prepared.

Your voice. Your Power. Your Rights.

You Have Rights.

All people in the U.S., whether citizen or non-citizen, have certain rights under the U.S. Constitution and other laws.

  • You have the right to refuse consent for immigration or the police to search yourself, your car or your home.
  • You have the right to remain silent. If you want to exercise that right, you should say it out loud.
  • If you are not a U.S. citizen, you have the right to call the consulate of your home country. Immigration and police must let your consulate visit or speak with you.
  • You have the right to speak to an attorney before answering any questions. You may say, “I will remain silent until I speak to an attorney.”
  • You do not have to sign anything that you do not understand.
  • You have the right to a copy of all your immigration papers.


*This is not intended as legal advice.

Know Your Rights: What To Do If...

Immigration Or The Police Come to Your Door
  1. Stay calm and do not open the door. Immigration and law enforcement agents must have a warrant signed by a judge, or your permission, to enter your child care center/home.
  2. You have the right to demand a valid warrant. You have the right to demand to see a warrant signed by a judge and refuse a search of your child care center/home without a valid, judicial warrant.
  3. Right to remain silent. It is your right to remain silent and refuse to answer any question. If you choose to answer questions, anything you say can be used against you. If you lie, you can get into serious legal trouble.
  4. You have the right to speak to an attorney before answering any questions. The government will not provide an attorney. There is no right to an attorney in immigration proceedings. You can say “I will not be answering any questions until I consult with my attorney/an attorney.” However, you will need to seek separate legal counsel on your own. Providers should seek out trusted legal resources ahead of time and have the phone number for a rapid response network near them available.
  5. Refuse to sign anything. Think twice before signing anything. Do not sign forms you do not understand or do not want to sign. You have the right to consult with an attorney before signing anything to best protect your rights.
  6. Peacefully observe and document/record without obstructing or interfering with law enforcement. If you are unable to safely record using a phone or camera, write down any description of law enforcement, including physical description, badge number (Note that ICE and CBP do not have badge numbers, but some of them should have a patch that lists their last name on it), the name of the law enforcement agency, license plates, and vehicle descriptions.
  7. Be prepared:

    • KNOW YOUR RIGHTS. Federal agents are stopping, detaining, and arresting individuals, without regard of their authorization to work, immigration status, and in some cases, even U.S. citizenship. Still, you are protected by the U.S. Constitution and state laws when interacting with law enforcement, this includes federal agents, ICE, CBP, the National Guard and military troops. It is important to know your rights and understand your right to exercise them. [See below for detailed Know Your Rights information.]

    • MEMORIZE TRUSTED PHONE NUMBERS. Memorize phone numbers of friends, family members, rapid response networks, and immigration attorneys.

    • CONSULT WITH AN IMMIGRATION LAWYER. An immigration attorney can help you understand your immigration situation and decide on the best course of action if you are detained. Please note, there is no legal right to be appointed an attorney in immigration cases, so the government will not supply you with an attorney. It is important that you consult with an attorney before an immigration raid to understand your legal rights and pathways for your specific immigration status. It is also essential that you consult with an immigration attorney if you are detained by immigration agents so that you can make an informed decision and avoid deportation. You can find a list of California legal services organizations here.

    • PREPARE A FAMILY/SAFETY PLAN. Family safety plans can ensure that if immigration agents detain you, family members, children, and other dependents are cared for. You can gather important paperwork, add family members to accounts so they can access your assets with your prior approval, make sure a trusted person is listed on school records to pick-up your children from school, plan for who will care for your children in your absence, and keep the phone number of an attorney with you and with a trusted person at home. You can find a helpful resource here.

    • KNOW WHAT IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS TO CARRY WITH YOU. Certain noncitizens are required by law to carry and provide specific immigration documents when requested by an immigration officer. Should a noncitizen not have these papers or if they choose to remain silent regarding immigration or citizenship status, it is possible that immigration agents might detain the individual for longer to verify the individual’s immigration status.

      • With valid immigration status: By law, individuals 18 years or older who are Legal Permanent Residents are required to carry their Green Card, valid immigration papers, or proof of “registration” with them at all times.

      • Without valid immigration status, but who have applied for status or have an open case: You can carry a copy of your immigration papers that show you have applied for status or are appealing an immigration decision. Note that immigration agents may still detain you regardless of having an open case.

      • Without valid immigration documents: If you provide papers from another country, this may give immigration a reason to question you more, detain or deport you, or charge you with a federal crime. But, if you have been living in the U.S. for at least two years, you can carry proof of that if you are arrested, for example phone bills or rent receipts.

      • U.S. Citizens: You are not required to carry proof that you are a U.S. citizen, but you may want to carry a copy of your passport or birth certificate. It is recommended that you do not carry original documents.

      • Do NOT lie or carry false documents. If you provide false papers, you are at serious risk not just of deportation, but of criminal prosecution.

    • In California, Public Counsel has several resources to help parents plan for the care of their children in the event that they are detained or deported.

REMAIN SILENT. Show the police your drivers’ license. If asked, show your car registration and proof of insurance. But you still have the right to remain silent about everything else. Immigration can use anything you say against you. You have the right to refuse to give your consent for a search of yourself or your car.

STAY CALM AND DO NOT RUN. Use your phone to take photos and notes about the stop, but stay calm and do not run.

ASK TO SPEAK TO YOUR ATTORNEY AND THINK TWICE BEFORE SIGNING ANYTHING. Don’t sign forms you don’t understand or don’t want to sign. You have the right to speak with an attorney.

FIND LEGAL HELP. iAmerica has a list of legal service providers if you need a lawyer

List of legal service providers

REMAIN SILENT. If asked, you should give your name. But you still have the right to remain silent about everything else. Immigration can use anything you say against you.

STAY CALM AND DO NOT RUN. Use your phone to take photos and notes about the stop, but stay calm and do not run.

ASK TO SPEAK TO YOUR ATTORNEY AND THINK TWICE BEFORE SIGNING ANYTHING. Don’t sign forms you don’t understand or don’t want to sign. You have the right to speak with an attorney.

LEGAL HELP. iAmerica has a list of legal service providers if you need a lawyer

List of legal service providers
  1. Stay calm and do not open the door. You are not required to open the door to anyone without a warrant signed by a judge.
  2. Ask for identification. You can ask for the identity and to verify the identification of any stranger through a window, door, or peephole without opening the door.
  3. You have the right to demand a valid judicial warrant. You have the right to demand to see a warrant signed by a judge and refuse a search of your child care center/home without a valid, judicial warrant.
  4. Know Your Rights. You can ask strangers to leave your child care center/home and consider contacting local law enforcement or resources, if helpful.
  5. Peacefully observe and document/record. If you are unable to safely record with a phone or camera, write down any description of the person(s), including physical description of the person, stated name, stated name of law enforcement agency (if any), license plates, and vehicle descriptions.
  6. Contact local resources. You can find more information for California State-specific resources below:

REMAIN SILENT. You have the right to remain silent. Immigration can use anything you say against you.

STAY CALM AND DO NOT RUN. Use your phone to take photos and notes about the stop, but stay calm and do not run.

ASK TO SPEAK TO YOUR ATTORNEY AND THINK TWICE BEFORE SIGNING ANYTHING. Don’t sign forms you don’t understand or don’t want to sign. You have the right to speak with an attorney.

FIND LEGAL HELP. iAmerica has a list of legal service providers if you need a lawyer

List of legal service providers

REMAIN SILENT. You have the right to remain silent and the right to speak to your public defender. The information about your immigration status can be used against you in your criminal or immigration case.

ASK TO SPEAK TO YOUR ATTORNEY. Remember to speak to your public defender before answering any questions from a police or immigration officer.

THINK TWICE BEFORE SIGNING ANYTHING. Don’t sign forms you don’t understand or don’t want to sign. You have the right to speak with an attorney.

FIND LEGAL HELP. iAmerica has a list of legal service providers if you need a lawyer

List of legal service providers
  • DOES ICE HAVE THE RIGHT TO DETAIN OR ARREST U.S. CITIZENS BASED ON IMMIGRATION STATUS? NO. The immigration law and its rules do not apply to U.S. citizens. ICE agents have deportation authority over non-citizens only.
  • ICE agents violate the 4th and 5th Amendment of the Constitution if they question, detain or arrest U.S. citizen based on the citizen’s race.
  • Tell ICE that you are a U.S. citizen and ICE does not have the authority to detain or arrest you.
  • Ask to speak to your lawyer. You have the right to speak to your lawyer.
  • Ask for the ICE agent’s name and badge number and save that information.
  • Consult a lawyer about filing a lawsuit if you are questioned, detained and arrested. ICE and local police that assist ICE may be liable to pay fines and monetary damages for unlawful, questioning, detention and arrest of U.S. citizens.
List of legal service providers

Download "No ICE" Welcome Signs

Download

Know Your Rights Cards

The ILRC’s Red Cards help people assert their rights and defend themselves in many situations, such as when ICE agents go to a home.

Download and Save to Your Phone

Download this card and save it to your phone. This card can protect you if immigration or the police question you. The card will tell immigration or the police that you are exercising your constitutional rights.

Download

Print Your Own

Download, print, cut-out and carry this card with you. You can share these cards with family and friends. This card can protect you if immigration or the police question you. The card will tell immigration or the police that you are exercising your constitutional rights.

Download

Print to Share​

The artwork for printing your own cards is available at the bottom of this page. These are formatted as standard 3.5” by 2” business cards. Any print or copy shop should be able to work from these files. Translated versions are designed to support monolingual immigrants translate their rights with immigration officers. For additional languages, please visit the Immigration Legal Resource Center website.

Artwork for Printing Your Own Red Cards – Arabic

Artwork for Printing Your Own Red Cards – Chinese

Artwork for Printing Your Own Red Cards – English

Artwork for Printing Your Own Red Cards – Farsi.pdf

Artwork for Printing Your Own Red Cards – Korean.pdf

Artwork for Printing Your Own Red Cards – Punjabi

Artwork for Printing Your Own Red Cards – Russian

Artwork for Printing Your Own Red Cards – Spanish.pdf

Artwork for Printing Your Own Red Cards – Tagalog.pdf

Artwork for Printing Your Own Red Cards – Vietnamese

Using Your Red Card

Please see here for further information on how to use your Red Cards.

visit this link to learn what you can do if you find yourself facing an immigration agent: https://www.wehaverights.us/spanish.

Who to Call for Help

CHIRLA – The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights– (888) 624-4752

Ohlone Land Rapid Response Community Networks:  

  • San Francisco (415) 200-1548
  • San Mateo (203) 666-4472
  • Santa Clara (408) 290-1144
  • Santa Cruz (831) 239-4289
  • Contra Costa (925) 900-5151
  • Alameda (510) 241-4011

Long Beach Community Defense Network – Hotline: 562-276-0267

Los Angeles Raids and Rapid Response Network – Hotline: 888-624-4752

Orange County Rapid Response Network – Hotline: 714-881-1558, Email: casereferral@ocrapidresponse.org

(San Bernardino & Riverside Counties) Inland Coalition For Immigrant Justice’s Resource – Hotline: 909-361-4588

Southern California Bilingual Rapid Response Legal Resource Hotline – Hotline: 213-833-8283

211 – Connect with local community services

Access your portal

Step 1

Go to portal site.

Go to www.MyParticipantEdge.com

STEP 2

Click “Create Account.”

step 3

Complete the following fields, using the information provided in the benefits letter you received.

  • User Type: Member
  • Email: Enter your email address and confirm your email
  • First and Last Name: Enter your first and last name
  • SSN/SIN: Enter the last 4 digits of the Retirement Identification Number you received from your benefits letter. Do not enter the last 4 digits of your Social Security number.
  • Date of Birth: Enter your actual date of birth. If this doesn’t work, then enter the temporary date of birth from your benefits letter.
  • Zip Code/Postal Code: Enter the zip code exactly as written on your benefits letter
step 4

Click “Next” and the following screen displays

Enter the password, and three Security Questions and answers, and select the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy checkbox.

step 5

Click Finish, the account is created, and you are returned to the initial screen (see following screen example)

You will also receive an access code which will be sent to the email that you entered when you created your account. Note: Each time you log in from a new computer/device, you must enter a new access code.

step 6

From the initial screen, enter the email address you used to set up your account and password, and click Login

step 7

Enter the access code you received in your email to access the Dashboard screen

If you have any questions, or would like assistance registering your portal, call our CCPU Provider Resource Center at (888) 583-CCPU (2278) or PRC@ccpuca.org.

Info Sessions Recordings:

July 9 CCPU Retirement Fund Info Session

July 18 CCPU Retirement Fund Info Session

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions in the FAQ section below.

Are the benefits from the Retirement Plan taxable income to me?

The State contributions to your Retirement Plan account are not taxable to you until you receive a distribution. There may be distributions options to defer those taxes.

When can I sign up for the Retirement Fund and where can I learn more?

Eligible providers are automatically enrolled in the retirement fund. However, the administrator, Zenith American Solutions, will ask eligible providers to update necessary information. It is important to provide this information so that your records are accurate, and to avoid delays accessing your account.



If you believe you are eligible, but have not received this mail, you may contact the CCPU Provider Resource Center for assistance at (888) 583-CCPU (2278) or PRC@ccpuca.org.

Have more questions?

If you have additional questions, you can call the CCPU Provider Resource Center at 888-583-CCPU (2278) from 9am to 5pm Monday-Friday or email at PRC@ccpuca.org.

WHAT – What benefits does the Retirement Fund expect to offer providers?

Expand the Retirement Fund Benefits Table to see benefits.

 Plan Rules
Eligible participants*

You are eligible to participate in the Retirement Plan for a 2024 contribution if you are:

  • A licensed child care provider
  • Who has been paid 6 or more months of child subsidy in the 2023 calendar year (can be non-consecutive months).
Eligibility for benefit credit for contributions in 2024*You will earn your full service credits for 2023 if you were paid for ten or more months of child subsidy in 2023. If you were paid for 6 or more months of child subsidy, you will receive 60% of your service credits, 70% for 7 months, 80% for 8 months and 90% for 9 months. You will not earn any service credit if you were paid for less than 6 months.
ContributionsThe only contributions to the Retirement Plan will be paid from funding won through the CCPU collective bargaining agreement. The Plan does not accept contributions from you.
Amount of annual employer contributions for 2024 service allocable to participants in 2025*You will earn one full service credit for the State contribution on your behalf in 2025 if you were paid for ten or more months of child subsidy in 2024. If you were paid for 6 to 9 months in 2024, you will receive a pro-rated service credit. You will not earn any service credit if you were paid for less than 6 months in 2024.
VestingYou are “vested” in any contribution correctly made to your account. You do not need to work a minimum number of years before 2024 to be entitled to a benefit.
Distribution events

You can elect to receive your account when:

  • You stop all work as a licensed provider paid for state subsidized child care for 9 consecutive months at any age (“terminate from service”);
  • You stop all work as a licensed provider paid for state subsidized child care for 3 consecutive months at age 60 or older (“retirement”); or
  • You attain age 73, which is the age you are required to start receiving payments, unless you are still working.
Forms of distributions

If you are age 60 or older and stop all work as a licensed provider for 3 consecutive months and elect to retire, you can choose to receive your account balance as:

  • One lump-sum payment
  • Approximately equal monthly payments for 5 years
  • Approximately equal monthly payments for 10 years

If you are younger than age 60 and stop all work as a licensed provider for 9 consecutive months, you can only elect to receive your account as one lump-sum payment.

Death benefitsSince your account is 100% vested, you can designate a beneficiary (or multiple beneficiaries) to receive your account balance if you die before you receive it.
InvestmentsThe Board of Trustees will manage how the Retirement Plan is invested on your behalf, with the assistance of investment professionals.

*Special rules apply to providers where more than one provider is on the payment record.

who

Who is eligible for the Retirement Fund benefits?

State contributions to the Retirement Plan are tied to the child care subsidy program. To be eligible for retirement benefits in 2024, you must be a licensed provider who has have been paid for work with a subsidized child in at least 6 months in 2023-these months do not need to be consecutive. License exempt providers are not eligible; however, if you become licensed in a year, your work in that year may count for eligibility.

when

When will the benefits be available?

Contributions to the Retirement Plan are tied to the child care subsidy program. To be eligible for retirement benefits in 2024, you must be a licensed provider who has have been paid for work with a subsidized child in at least 6 months in 2023-these months do not need to be consecutive. License exempt providers are not eligible; however, if you become licensed in a year, your work in that year may count for eligibility.

how

How can I get help enrolling?

If you are eligible, the Plan will automatically enroll you based on data received by the State of California. You should immediately update your information with the Plan so it has has all of your current information and you receive credit for your years of licensed work.