Local 99 Health & Welfare Fund Legal Services Newsletter Rachel P. Roat, Esq.

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1 Local 99 Health & Welfare Fund Legal Services Newsletter Rachel P. Roat, Esq. Pa IF IMMIGRATION COMES KNOCKING AT YOUR DOOR... If Immigration and Customs Enforcement [ICE] agents show up at your door, the American Civil Liberties Union [ACLU] advises not opening it unless the agents can show a warrant signed by a judge. Ask to see the warrant through a window or slipped under the door. ICE administrative warrants don't allow agents to enter a home without the consent of the residents. Residents can ask through the door why the agents are there and request an interpreter if they need one. 4 How to Get Legal Help Page 5 Immigration Forms Are Free Page 2 Naturalization Test Sample Question Page 6

2 IMMIGRATION FORMS ARE FREE The United States Immigration Service [USCIS] provides most forms free of charge through its website in PDF format. In order to view, print, or fill out the forms, you should use the latest version of Adobe Reader, which can be downloaded for free. Many non-uscis websites sell immigration forms for a fee. Do not pay for immigration or naturalization forms. Carefully read any notices, warnings, or explanations on the instruction pages before you print or download the form itself. Be sure to verify the filing location of the forms for the specific benefit you are seeking. Most forms have detailed instructions about where to file and those instructions may vary with specific circumstances. Failure to file forms with the correct office or with the correct fee may result in an application or petition being returned to you and additional processing delays. A filing fee is required for many immigration forms. Be sure to include your payment of all required fees, including any fingerprint fees, when you submit your application or petition. Make checks payable to Department of Homeland Security. Do not submit a completed fingerprint card with your request. USCIS will contact you by mail to inform you of the time and place where your fingerprints will be taken. Certain individuals may apply for a fee waiver for certain immigration benefits and services based on ability to pay. See for the list of forms and services that are eligible for a fee waiver, or exempt from fees.

3 A graphic sent out in multiple languages by the ACLU offering legal advice to undocumented immigrants if they are the subject of raids by the ICE.

4 ; Volume Five, Number 2 Late Winter 2017 Continued from Page 1 If there is no warrant, ask the agents to leave information outside. If the agents force their way into the home, don t resist. Tell everyone in the residence to remain silent. If you are arrested remain silent and do not sign anything until you speak to a lawyer. The Immigrant Defense Project, which offers legal information for immigrants, advises undocumented immigrants to have a plan in place for what they will do if they or a family member is arrested. This includes planning who will take care of children and possibly making a Power of Attorney arrangement so a temporary caregiver can make decisions on the children s behalf if their parents are arrested or deported. All important documents, including passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates and medical records should be organized and stored in a secure location. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT NEITHER YOU NOR YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS GIVE ICE YOUR PASSPPORT. Do not lie to ICE but remember that you do have the right to stay silent. Those dealing with ICE agents should record everything that happens. Take notes of badge numbers, number of agents, time, type of car and exactly what happened. [Type text] [Type text] [Type text]

5 The cover of a handbook for lawyers and community workers aiding undocumented immigrants facing arrest or detention. (Photo: Immigrant Defense Project) HOW TO GET LEGAL HELP If you or someone you know needs legal help, please info@refugeerights.org in any language with as much information as possible about your situation and any relevant documents. The International Refugee Assistance Project [IRAP] organizes law students and lawyers to develop and enforce legal and human rights for refugees and displaced persons.

6 What does the judicial branch of the United States government do? Decides if a law goes against the Constitution; reviews laws, resolves disputes about laws, explains laws. The bosom of America is open to receive not only the opulent and respectable stranger, but the opposed and persecuted of all nations and religions; whom we shall welcome to a participation of all our rights and privileges, if by decency and propriety of conduct they appear to merit the enjoyment. --George Washington

7 Local 99 Legal Services Program The Local 99 Health & Welfare Fund established the Legal Services Program in 1999 to assist its participants in the protection of their personal legal rights and to deal with and avoid legal problems. The Legal Services Program provides and advice and consultation for specific types of legal problems under NEW JERSEY law only. No representation in legal proceedings is available. Participants are entitled to meet without charge with an attorney to review documents. A single attorney letter or telephone call is included. Complementary wills and powers of attorney are also provided. HOW TO CONTACT US: RACHEL P. ROAT, ESQ. DIRECTOR, LEGAL SERVICES PROGRAM 703 McCarter Highway Newark, New Jersey TELEPHONE: ext RoatLaw@gmail.com WEB: