7 Crucial Facts to Know About Your Immigration and Civic Rights
On March 29th, 2023, The Nigerian Center, in collaboration with the US Attorney’s Office of DC, organized a workshop titled “Know Your Immigration and Civic Rights” in Washington DC. The workshop aimed to empower immigrants with knowledge about their legal rights and how to interact with the police. Magdalena Acevedo, a Community Prosecutor, and Assistant at the US Attorney’s Office of the District of Columbia, and Melvin Jarret, the Nigerian Center immigration attorney, facilitated the event.
Magdalena Acevedo's session focused on "interacting with the law in general - the civic aspect" and highlighted measures to take when interacting with the police. She emphasized the rights of individuals but also stressed that, when encountering the police, the goal is to get home safely.
During the workshop, several crucial points were discussed, including the following:
The DC government is very protective of immigrants.
You are not obligated to discuss your immigration status with the police, but you need to provide your name and address for verification of your identity.
You have a right to request a lawyer or an interpreter if English is not your preferred language.
Your lawyer owes you a duty of confidentiality even when dealing with law enforcement.
There is protection under the law for both men and women who are victims of domestic violence (VAWA).
There are visa pathways for immigrants who are victims of qualifying crimes (U&T Visas).
It is okay to make an impact statement to the police about a crime or criminal activity in your community.
The overarching message of the workshop was that being an immigrant does not diminish an individual's fundamental rights, and it is essential to be aware of these rights. The workshop empowered immigrants to understand and exercise their rights, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the community and the government in promoting a safe and inclusive society.
As the first immigrant and cultural center that serves the Nigerian American community, as well as other immigrant populations in the United States. We provide free to low-income immigration services, this includes a free walk-in immigration clinic. Individuals needing immigration assistance should contact the Nigerian Center online or call 202-330-0352.