Tell the officer you want to consult an attorney before deciding what
to do.
Telling the officer that you need to speak to an attorney before answering
any questions is legal and appropriate. If you want to talk to the
FBI, INS,
or police, your attorney can contact them for the interview on your
behalf.
ANY information you give to an officer without an attorney, even if
it seems
harmless, can be used against you or someone else. Lying to an officer
is a
separate crime. Remaining silent is your right.
You are not required to allow the officer into your home or office without
a
warrant. Ask to see the warrant. However, do not obstruct an officer
who
refuses to show you a warrant and forces his or her way into your home
or
office. Tell the officer that he or she does not have your permission
to
enter.
If the officer claims to have a warrant for your arrest:
You have a right to see the warrant. You must go with the officer,
but you
do not have to answer questions until you consult an attorney.
If you are detained, you should ask for an attorney and remain silent.
If
you are detained in an immigration detention center, ask for contact
information for attorneys. You also have a right to call your embassy.
Tip: If the FBI, INS, local police or other law enforcement contact
you,
write down the name, agency, and telephone number of the officer who
calls
or visits you. Then CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IMMEDIATELY.
FOR LEGAL ASSISTANCE
Immigration Attorneys:
Mahsa Khanbabai
Caruso Brown Landers Khanbabai & Murphy
Springfield, 413-732-3320=20
Alan S. Musgrave
Amherst, 413-549-2002=20
Organizations:
American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee
202-244-2990, www.adc.org=20
American Immigration Lawyers Association
Immigration Lawyer Referral Service
800-954-0254, www.aila.org ; click on "Need a Lawyer?"
Massachusetts Bar Association
Lawyer referral service
866-627-7577
National Lawyers Guild National Immigration Project
617-227-9727,
www.nationalimmigrationproject.org