Citizens and Immigrants: Know Your Rights: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 17:20, 23 October 2026

For anyone in Texas, these are your rights.

CAUTION

U.S. immigration laws continue to change rapidly in 2026. Before making any decisions, consult an immigration attorney. American Immigration Lawyers Association Find an Immigration Lawyer.

Composed by TexasLawHelp.org • Last Updated on January 29, 2025

Immigration laws and policies are changing rapidly in 2025, with more enforcement expected. Share your emergency plan with trusted family, friends, and co-workers. Know your rights and keep this information handy.

Identification

If you have a valid work permit or green card, carry it with you at all times. If you do not have one, carry a state ID or driver’s license if it was issued in the United States.
Do not carry documentation of your country of origin.

If a police or immigration officer approaches...

In a traffic stop

Stay calm and polite. Keep your hands on the wheel, or let the officer know what you are doing. The driver is only required to share their name, driver’s license, and proof of insurance.

At home

You do not need to open the door to anyone without a warrant. The warrant must be signed by a judge with your name, address, and permission to search. The officer can hand it to you through a window or slip it under the door.

If they do not have one, politely say, “Please leave.”

At work or in public

You do not need to respond to questions or consent to a search of your person or belongings without an officer presenting a valid warrant. The warrant must be signed by a judge with your name, address, and permission to search.

You always have the right to:

Ask for the officer’s name and agency.
Ask if you are free to go. If not, ask why you are being detained or arrested.
Ask to speak with a lawyer before signing anything or saying anything to the officer, except your name, birthday, and address in the case of detention or arrest.

At a hospital or ER...

Texas hospitals and ERs are required to ask about your citizenship or immigration status.
You are not required to answer. Not answering should not affect what care you receive.
However, you may be required to show some form of photo ID.

If you are being arrested...

You may ask to park your car where it will be safe or give your belongings to someone standing there with you. Do not run or resist.
You have a right to ask to speak with a lawyer before saying anything to the officer or signing anything. You have a right to speak with the lawyer by private phone call where the officer directs you to call. Any other phone calls may be monitored or recorded by law enforcement.

If someone else is being approached or arrested...

Do not interrupt an arrest, though you have a right to witness and even record it if you deem it safe. Follow officer instructions, such as to move back.

Your children

If your child was born in the United States, register your child’s birth with your country’s government, for example, with your country’s consulate.
Make sure all information and emergency contacts are up to date at your children’s schools, including who can and cannot pick up your children.
Complete a nonparent authorization so another adult can care for your children temporarily if needed.

Your car

To avoid being pulled over:

Keep your car registration up to date.
Keep lights working.
Do not hang things from your rearview mirror.
Ensure front and rear license plates are clearly displayed.
Do not exceed the maximum window tint percentage (25%) on front and front side windows.
Follow speed limits and all other traffic laws.

Documents and finances

Do not use false information.
Start saving money. You may need money to hire an attorney and for toiletries and food during detention.

Emergency information

Create a file of important papers and give your emergency contacts access to it. Include any lawyer’s contact information, copies of legal status documents or applications, a nonparent authorization, the location of a backup home key and car key, and any important bills that need to be paid to keep the home or car.
Set up your phone and any other device where you have an emergency sheet or status information with six-digit number passcode protection, not pattern, face, or fingerprint recognition.
Set up a power of attorney with an emergency contact so they can access your bank account and other needed assets in case of your arrest or detention.

More tips

If you have been in the country less than a year and have been a victim of a crime, or you have a family member who is a U.S. citizen, then you may be able to apply for asylum or other legal status.
Do it immediately because the process takes time. If you have legal documents allowing you to be in the U.S. but have lost your documents, correct that immediately.
Contact a lawyer or go to a Know Your Rights clinic to help with this preparation.

Related guides

I need to give a nonparent permission to care for my child.

This toolkit helps you fill out an agreement to let a caregiver temporarily make important decisions for a child.

I need court approval for an authorization agreement for a nonparent adult caregiver.

Use this guide if you need court permission to sign a written Authorization Agreement for Nonparent Adult Caregiver.

Related forms and flyers

Know Your Rights Flyer

This document outlines the rights of citizens and noncitizens during emergencies and in various situations, including traffic stops, healthcare visits, workplaces, and public places.

Volante - Conozca Sus Derechos

Este documento resume los derechos de ciudadanos y no ciudadanos durante emergencias y en diversas situaciones, como detenciones de tráfico, visitas a centros de salud, lugares de trabajo y espacios públicos.

Immigrant Rights (Pashto) | د کډوالو حقوق (پښتو)

دا سند د اتباعو او غیر اتباعو حقوق په بیړنیو حالاتو او مختلفو شرایطو کې بیانوي، پشمول د ترافیکي تلاشیو، د روغتیايي خدماتو د لیدنو، د کار ځایونو، او عامه ځایونو.

Immigrant Rights (Dari) | حقوق مهاجران (دری)

این سند حقوق شهروندان و غیرشهروندان را در مواقع اضطراری و در موقعیت‌های مختلف، از جمله توقف‌های ترافیکی، مراجعه به مراکز صحی، محل‌های کار و اماکن عمومی بیان می‌کند.

Sources

Citizens and Immigrants: Know Your Rights, TexasLawHelp.org, archived by the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine, September 29, 2026. Original article last updated January 29, 2025.

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-Para cualquier persona en Texas, estos son sus derechos.
+''For anyone in Texas, these are your rights.''
-''Redactado por [https://es.texaslawhelp.org/directory/texaslawhelporg '''TexasLawHelp.org'''] • Última revisión legal el 29 de enero de 2025 • Última edición el 27 de enero de 2025''
+== CAUTION ==
-Las leyes y políticas de inmigración están cambiando rápidamente en 2025, y se espera una mayor aplicación de la ley. Comparta su plan de emergencia con familiares, amigos y compañeros de trabajo de confianza. Conozca sus derechos y tenga esta información a mano.
+''U.S. immigration laws continue to change rapidly in 2026. Before making any decisions, consult an immigration attorney. [https://www.ailalawyer.com American Immigration Lawyers Association Find an Immigration Lawyer].''
-== Identificación ==
+''Composed by [https://web.archive.org/web/20250803055447/https://texaslawhelp.org/directory/texaslawhelporg TexasLawHelp.org] • Last Updated on January 29, 2025''
-* Si tiene un permiso de trabajo válido o una tarjeta verde, llévela consigo en todo momento. Si no tiene una, lleve una identificación estatal o una licencia de conducir si fue emitida en los Estados Unidos.
+Immigration laws and policies are changing rapidly in 2025, with more enforcement expected. Share your emergency plan with trusted family, friends, and co-workers. Know your rights and keep this information handy.
-* No lleve documentación de su país de origen.
-== Si un policía o un oficial de inmigración se acerca... ==
+== Identification ==
-'''EN UNA PARADA DE TRÁFICO'''
+* If you have a valid work permit or green card, carry it with you at all times. If you do not have one, carry a state ID or driver’s license if it was issued in the United States.
+* Do not carry documentation of your country of origin.
-Mantenga la calma y la educación, con las manos en el volante o haciéndole saber al oficial lo que está haciendo. El conductor solo debe compartir su nombre, licencia de conducir y comprobante de seguro.
+== If a police or immigration officer approaches... ==
-'''EN CASA'''
+=== In a traffic stop ===
-No necesita abrir la puerta a nadie sin una orden judicial. La orden debe estar firmada por un juez con su nombre, dirección y permiso para registrarla. El oficial puede entregárselo a través de una ventana o deslizarlo por debajo de la puerta. Si no tienen uno, diga cortésmente "Por favor, váyase".
+Stay calm and polite. Keep your hands on the wheel, or let the officer know what you are doing. The driver is only required to share their name, driver’s license, and proof of insurance.
-'''EN EL TRABAJO O EN PÚBLICO'''
+=== At home ===
-No necesita responder preguntas ni dar su consentimiento para un registro de su persona o pertenencias sin que un oficial presente una orden válida. La orden debe estar firmada por un juez con su nombre, dirección y permiso para registrarla.
+You do not need to open the door to anyone without a warrant. The warrant must be signed by a judge with your name, address, and permission to search. The officer can hand it to you through a window or slip it under the door.
-Usted siempre tiene derecho a:
+If they do not have one, politely say, “Please leave.”
-* Pida el nombre y la agencia del oficial.
+=== At work or in public ===
-* Pregunte si puede ir y, de no ser así, pregunte por qué lo detienen o arrestan.
-* Pida hablar con un abogado antes de firmar cualquier cosa o decirle algo al oficial, excepto su nombre, fecha de nacimiento y dirección en caso de detención o arresto.
-== En un hospital o sala de emergencias... ==
+You do not need to respond to questions or consent to a search of your person or belongings without an officer presenting a valid warrant. The warrant must be signed by a judge with your name, address, and permission to search.
-* Los hospitales y salas de emergencias de Texas deben preguntar sobre su ciudadanía o estado migratorio.
+You always have the right to:
-* No es necesario que responda. No responder no debería afectar la atención que recibe.
-* Sin embargo, es posible que deba mostrar algún tipo de identificación con foto.
-== Si lo arrestan... ==
+* Ask for the officer’s name and agency.
+* Ask if you are free to go. If not, ask why you are being detained or arrested.
+* Ask to speak with a lawyer before signing anything or saying anything to the officer, except your name, birthday, and address in the case of detention or arrest.
-* Puede pedir estacionar su automóvil donde sea seguro o darle sus pertenencias a alguien que esté allí con usted. No corra ni se resista.
+== At a hospital or ER... ==
-* Tiene derecho a pedir hablar con un abogado antes de decirle algo al oficial o firmar algo. Tiene derecho a hablar con el abogado por teléfono privado donde el oficial lo indique a Cal. Cualquier otra llamada telefónica puede ser monitoreada o grabada por la policía.
-== Si alguien más está siendo abordado o arrestado ... ==
+* Texas hospitals and ERs are required to ask about your citizenship or immigration status.
+* You are not required to answer. Not answering should not affect what care you receive.
+* However, you may be required to show some form of photo ID.
-No interrumpa un arresto, aunque tiene derecho a presenciarlo e incluso a grabarlo si lo considera seguro. Siga las instrucciones del oficial, como retroceder.
+== If you are being arrested... ==
-== Sus hijos ==
+* You may ask to park your car where it will be safe or give your belongings to someone standing there with you. Do not run or resist.
+* You have a right to ask to speak with a lawyer before saying anything to the officer or signing anything. You have a right to speak with the lawyer by private phone call where the officer directs you to call. Any other phone calls may be monitored or recorded by law enforcement.
-* Si su hijo nació en los Estados Unidos, registre el nacimiento de su hijo ante el gobierno de su país (por ejemplo, con el consulado de su país).
+== If someone else is being approached or arrested... ==
-* Asegúrese de que toda la información y los contactos de emergencia estén actualizados en la(s) escuela(s) de sus hijos, incluyendo quién puede y quién no puede recoger a sus hijos.
-* Complete una [https://es.texaslawhelp.org/article/authorization-for-nonparent-care-of-a-child '''autorización para personas que no sean los padres'''] para que otro adulto pueda cuidar a sus hijos temporalmente si es necesario.
-== Tu coche ==
+Do not interrupt an arrest, though you have a right to witness and even record it if you deem it safe. Follow officer instructions, such as to move back.
-Para evitar que lo detengan:
+== Your children ==
-* Mantenga actualizado el registro de su automóvil.
+* If your child was born in the United States, register your child’s birth with your country’s government, for example, with your country’s consulate.
-* Mantenga las luces funcionando.
+* Make sure all information and emergency contacts are up to date at your children’s schools, including who can and cannot pick up your children.
-* No cuelgue cosas del espejo retrovisor.
+* Complete a [https://web.archive.org/web/20250803055447/https://texaslawhelp.org/article/authorization-for-nonparent-care-of-a-child nonparent authorization] so another adult can care for your children temporarily if needed.
-* Asegúrese de que las matrículas delanteras y traseras se muestren claramente.
-* No exceda el porcentaje máximo de tinte de ventana (25%) en ventanas delanteras y delanteras Siga los límites de velocidad y todas las demás leyes de tránsito.
-== Documentos y finanzas ==
+== Your car ==
-* No utilice información falsa.
+To avoid being pulled over:
-* Comience a ahorrar dinero. Es posible que necesite dinero para contratar a un abogado y para artículos de tocador y alimentos durante la detención.
-== Información de emergencia ==
+* Keep your car registration up to date.
+* Keep lights working.
+* Do not hang things from your rearview mirror.
+* Ensure front and rear license plates are clearly displayed.
+* Do not exceed the maximum window tint percentage (25%) on front and front side windows.
+* Follow speed limits and all other traffic laws.
-* Cree un archivo de documentos importantes y dé acceso a sus contactos de emergencia. Incluya la información de contacto de cualquier abogado, copias de documentos o solicitudes de estado legal, autorización para personas que no sean los padres, ubicación de la llave de la casa de respaldo, llave del automóvil, cualquier factura importante que deba pagarse para conservar la casa o el automóvil.
+== Documents and finances ==
-* Configure su teléfono y cualquier otro dispositivo donde tenga una hoja de emergencia o información de estado con protección de código de acceso numérico de 6 dígitos (no reconocimiento de patrones, rostros o huellas dactilares).
-* Establezca un poder notarial con un contacto de emergencia para que puedan acceder a su cuenta bancaria y otros bienes necesarios en caso de arresto o detención.
-== Más consejos ==
+* Do not use false information.
+* Start saving money. You may need money to hire an attorney and for toiletries and food during detention.
-* Si ha estado en el país menos de un año y ha sido víctima de un delito, o tiene un familiar que es ciudadano estadounidense, es posible que pueda solicitar asilo u otro estatus legal.
+== Emergency information ==
-* Hágalo inmediatamente porque el proceso lleva tiempo. Si tiene documentos legales que le permiten estar en los EE. UU., pero ha perdido sus documentos, corríjalos de inmediato.
-* Comuníquese con un abogado o vaya a una clínica de Conozca sus Derechos para que lo ayude con esta preparación.
+* Create a file of important papers and give your emergency contacts access to it. Include any lawyer’s contact information, copies of legal status documents or applications, a nonparent authorization, the location of a backup home key and car key, and any important bills that need to be paid to keep the home or car.
+* Set up your phone and any other device where you have an emergency sheet or status information with six-digit number passcode protection, not pattern, face, or fingerprint recognition.
+* Set up a power of attorney with an emergency contact so they can access your bank account and other needed assets in case of your arrest or detention.
+== More tips ==
+* If you have been in the country less than a year and have been a victim of a crime, or you have a family member who is a U.S. citizen, then you may be able to apply for asylum or other legal status.
+* Do it immediately because the process takes time. If you have legal documents allowing you to be in the U.S. but have lost your documents, correct that immediately.
+* Contact a lawyer or go to a Know Your Rights clinic to help with this preparation.
+== Related guides ==
+=== I need to give a nonparent permission to care for my child. ===
+[https://web.archive.org/web/20250803055447/https://texaslawhelp.org/guide/i-need-to-give-a-nonparent-permission-to-care-for-my-child I need to give a nonparent permission to care for my child.]
+This toolkit helps you fill out an agreement to let a caregiver temporarily make important decisions for a child.
+=== I need court approval for an authorization agreement for a nonparent adult caregiver. ===
+[https://web.archive.org/web/20250803055447/https://texaslawhelp.org/guide/i-need-court-approval-for-an-authorization-agreement-for-a-nonparent-adult-caregiver I need court approval for an authorization agreement for a nonparent adult caregiver.]
+Use this guide if you need court permission to sign a written Authorization Agreement for Nonparent Adult Caregiver.
+== Related articles ==
+=== Immigration Rights Resources ===
+[https://web.archive.org/web/20250803055447/https://texaslawhelp.org/article/immigration-rights-resources Immigration Rights Resources]
+Regardless of your immigration status, you have rights. Be prepared for police and immigration by learning your rights and how to use them.
+=== Resources for Immigrants in Texas ===
+[https://web.archive.org/web/20250803055447/https://texaslawhelp.org/article/resources-for-immigrants-in-texas Resources for Immigrants in Texas]
+This article provides resources for organizations in Texas that provide help if you are an immigrant.
+=== The Immigration Process ===
+[https://web.archive.org/web/20250803055447/https://texaslawhelp.org/article/the-immigration-process-answers-to-common-questions The Immigration Process]
+This article answers common questions about the immigration process in the U.S.
+=== Authorization for Nonparent Care of a Child ===
+[https://web.archive.org/web/20250803055447/https://texaslawhelp.org/article/authorization-for-nonparent-care-of-a-child Authorization for Nonparent Care of a Child]
+This article explains the form a nonparent can use to grant an adult caregiver the authority to make decisions for a child.
+=== Revoking an Authorization Agreement for Voluntary Nonparent Adult Caregiver ===
+[https://web.archive.org/web/20250803055447/https://texaslawhelp.org/article/revoking-an-authorization-agreement-for-voluntary-nonparent-adult-caregiver Revoking an Authorization Agreement for Voluntary Nonparent Adult Caregiver]
+This article discusses cancelling an Authorization Agreement for Voluntary Nonparent Adult Caregiver.
+=== Going to Court to Get Temporary Authorization to Care for a Child ===
+[https://web.archive.org/web/20250803055447/https://texaslawhelp.org/article/going-to-court-to-get-temporary-authorization-to-care-for-a-child Going to Court to Get Temporary Authorization to Care for a Child]
+This article answers common questions about getting court-ordered temporary authority to care for a child.
+== Related forms and flyers ==
+=== Know Your Rights Flyer ===
+[https://web.archive.org/web/20250723013425/https://texaslawhelp.org/sites/default/files/2025-01/immigrant_rights.pdf Know Your Rights Flyer]
+This document outlines the rights of citizens and noncitizens during emergencies and in various situations, including traffic stops, healthcare visits, workplaces, and public places.
+=== Volante - Conozca Sus Derechos ===
+[https://web.archive.org/web/20250723013210/https://texaslawhelp.org/sites/default/files/2025-01/volante_-_conozca_sus_derechos.pdf Volante - Conozca Sus Derechos]
+Este documento resume los derechos de ciudadanos y no ciudadanos durante emergencias y en diversas situaciones, como detenciones de tráfico, visitas a centros de salud, lugares de trabajo y espacios públicos.
+=== Immigrant Rights (Pashto) | د کډوالو حقوق (پښتو) ===
+[https://web.archive.org/web/20250723013337/https://texaslawhelp.org/sites/default/files/2025-01/immigrant_rights_pashto.pdf Immigrant Rights (Pashto) | د کډوالو حقوق (پښتو)]
+دا سند د اتباعو او غیر اتباعو حقوق په بیړنیو حالاتو او مختلفو شرایطو کې بیانوي، پشمول د ترافیکي تلاشیو، د روغتیايي خدماتو د لیدنو، د کار ځایونو، او عامه ځایونو.
+=== Immigrant Rights (Dari) | حقوق مهاجران (دری) ===
+[https://web.archive.org/web/20250723013554/https://texaslawhelp.org/sites/default/files/2025-01/immigrant_rights_dari.pdf Immigrant Rights (Dari) | حقوق مهاجران (دری)]
+این سند حقوق شهروندان و غیرشهروندان را در مواقع اضطراری و در موقعیت‌های مختلف، از جمله توقف‌های ترافیکی، مراجعه به مراکز صحی، محل‌های کار و اماکن عمومی بیان می‌کند.
+== Sources ==
+* [https://web.archive.org/web/20260929144650/https://texaslawhelp.org/article/citizens-and-immigrants-know-your-rights Citizens and Immigrants: Know Your Rights], [https://texaslawhelp.org TexasLawHelp.org], archived by the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine, September 29, 2026. Original article last updated January 29, 2025.