Know Your Rights

For international students and scholars in the U.S., it is important to know your rights and responsibilities. There is a lot of information available about legal rights in the U.S., but not all of it will apply to you specifically. This page will share clear and reliable information about the legal rights for international students and scholars who are present in the U.S. Stay informed and prepared!

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws and policies are subject to change, and the application of these laws can vary based on individual circumstances. If you have specific legal concerns or need guidance on your immigration status, we strongly recommend consulting a qualified immigration attorney.

Protecting Your Status

Staying informed about your responsibilities can help you proactively protect your nonimmigrant status here in the U.S., and help you respond calmly when interacting with authorities. This section provides a few reminders that will help you protect your ability to remain in the U.S. and focus on the purpose of your stay.

  • Maintain Your Status: Every person with a nonimmigrant status (F-1, J-1, H-1B, etc.) has certain obligations to maintain status in the U.S. You should review and ensure you are meeting all of these obligations by reviewing the relevant Maintaining Your Status web page on the BIO website.
  • Follow All U.S. Laws: Adhering to all U.S. laws—federal, state, and local—is fundamental for maintaining your nonimmigrant status. It’s important to understand these regulations, follow all required procedures, and remain in full compliance. By staying within the law, you can confidently and calmly respond to inquiries from U.S. immigration officials.
  • Carry Documentation of Your Status: 

    If you are in nonimmigrant status, U.S. law requires certain individuals, such as permanent residents (Green Card holders), to carry proof of status at all times. While it is generally highly recommended for nonimmigrants (e.g., F-1, J-1 visa holders) to carry copies of relevant immigration documents, this is not a legal requirement. Keep the original documents in a secure location at your residence. If you are traveling, always bring the original documents with you. Depending on your nonimmigrant status, these documents may include the identity page of your passport, I-94, I-20 or DS-2019, or I-797 Approval Notice.

  • Answer Questions Briefly and Honestly: If you are questioned by law enforcement or immigration officials, you have certain rights which require you to only provide certain information, such as your name, address, and immigration status. However, if you are lawfully present in the U.S. on a nonimmigrant visa, you may choose to answer basic questions about your status and purpose to clarify your presence. Keep your answers short and polite. Avoid guessing, speculating, or making jokes during the conversation.
  • Seek Legal Assistance When Needed: If you have any interactions with law enforcement or immigration officials, reach out to BIO so that we can assist you and direct you to relevant resources. The Student Legal Services can give you a free and confidential 30-minute consultation on legal matters. You may also wish to contact an attorney. In some circumstances, you may want two attorneys: one criminal and one immigration. Many attorneys only specialize in one area of law.

Your Basic Rights in the U.S.

Staying calm, knowing your rights, and seeking legal advice when necessary can help protect both you and your visa status. It must be emphasized, however, that everything is situational.  Cooperating with immigration or law enforcement officials may be the best course of action.

  • Right to Free Speech: As an international student or scholar in the U.S., you have the right to free speech under the First Amendment, though it may be limited in certain ways. You can express your opinions, join protests, and engage in discussions without government interference. However, threats, hate speech, or inciting violence are not protected. Additionally, while peaceful protest is generally legal, a recent executive order has increased scrutiny on protest participation, and certain activities could put your visa status at risk. Actions like civil disobedience, attending protests that become unlawful, or being arrested at a demonstration—even unintentionally—could have serious immigration consequences. If you choose to participate in protests, be aware of the legal risks.
  • Freedom from Illegal Search and Seizure: You do not have to consent to a search of yourself, your residence, or your belongings without a judicial warrant (not an ICE administrative document). However, police may pat down your clothing if they suspect a weapon. If an officer requests to search you, you have the right to ask if you are required to comply and can refuse unless they have legal grounds. If an officer or immigration agent requests your immigration papers, some noncitizens (e.g., Green Card holders) are legally required to show them. Others may choose to remain silent and consult an

    attorney. If you have copies or originals of your immigration documents, providing them could help demonstrate your legal nonimmigrant status.

  • Permission to Remain Silent: You have the right to remain silent. You are only required to answer questions establishing your identity, citizenship, and immigration status. Anything you tell an officer can later be used against you in court. If you choose to exercise this right, you should state this out loud. However, if you are on a non-immigrant status, be aware that refusing to answer immigration-related questions could result in negative consequences, such as denial of entry to the U.S. or even arrest.
  • Guarantee of Due Process: You have the right to receive notice of any charges against you, present your case, and seek legal representation. If you are arrested, you may have the right to a government-appointed lawyer or may need to hire a lawyer (the government does not provide free legal counsel for immigration cases). You may request a lawyer at any time if you are questioned by law enforcement or immigration officials. Exception: You are not entitled to an attorney at a port of entry or U.S. border.
  • Right to Contact your Country’s Consulate: When foreign nationals are arrested or detained, they have the right to have the closest consulate or embassy notified.

Interactions with Law Enforcement

It is helpful to be prepared for a variety of scenarios so that you can react calmly and rationally. Beware of bad actors and scammers who pretend to be law enforcement. Never give out your personal information, such as address, social security number or banking information, unless you can verify the source.

Port of Entry or U.S. border

The ACLU provides information on how to react when interacting with law enforcement at the airport. The recommendations are summarized below:

  • Have your required travel documents ready.
  • Answer questions briefly and honestly. You are only required to answer questions establishing your identity and citizenship. However, if you refuse to answer other questions, you may be denied entry.
  • CBP may also search your bags and electronic devices. You may refuse to unlock your electronic device, but could be denied entry as a result.
  • Do not bring any restricted items. Make sure you follow rules regarding travel with medications, food, or pets.
  • You do not have a right to an attorney at the port of entry.
  • Stay calm, and try to comply with any requests for additional information or documents.
  • Have BIO's contact information on hand. You may also wish to reach out to BIO if you are arriving during our open hours.

A visit to your home

The ACLU provides information on how to react when police or ICE are at your home. The recommendations are summarized below:

  • Remain calm and do not open the door immediately. You are not legally required to open the door. If you do decide to open the door, you are giving permission to enter your home.
  • Ask for identification through the door, such as the individual's badge and identification.
  • You do not need to open the door or consent to a search of you or your residence without a judicial warrant (NOT an ICE Administrative Document). If you do allow law enforcement to enter your home, you have the right to ask them to leave at any time, if they entered without a warrant.
  • You have the right to remain silent beyond routine questions such as your name and address, and should say this out loud if you choose to exercise this right.
  • You have the right to an attorney.

Driving or a passenger in a vehicle

The ACLU provides information on how to react when you are stopped by the police, ICE, or Border Patrol when in transit. The recommendations are summarized below:

  • If you are driving and are pulled over by the police, ICE, or Border Patrol, pull your car safely over to the side of the road as soon as you are able.
  • Roll down the window and stay seated with your hands visible and resting on the steering wheel. Only get out of the car if you are instructed to do so.
  • Provide your name, valid driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance when asked.

  • If an officer or immigration agent requests your immigration papers, some noncitizens (e.g., Green Card holders) are legally required to show them. Others may choose to remain silent and consult an attorney. If you have copies or originals of your immigration documents, providing them could help demonstrate your legal nonimmigrant status. 

  • Stay calm and respectful. You have the right to remain silent beyond routine questions such as your name and address, and should say this out loud if you choose to exercise this right.
  • You do not need to consent to a search of you or your belongings without a judicial warrant (NOT an ICE Administrative Document) or unless the officer has probable cause. However, police may pat down your clothing to ensure there is no weapon present.
  • If you are a passenger in a vehicle, stay calm and silent, and do not interfere. You may ask if you are free to leave. If the officer says yes, you may leave calmly.

Arrest or detainment

The ACLU provides information on how to react when you are arrested or detained. The recommendations are summarized below:

  • Do not resist arrest or detainment.
  • Contact an attorney. If you are arrested, you may have the right to a government-appointed lawyer, if not, you have the right to hire your own lawyer. In some circumstances, you may want two attorneys: one criminal and one immigration. Many attorneys only specialize in one area of law. You do not need to answer any questions or sign any documents until you have consulted with a lawyer.

  • You have the right to a local phone call. Calls to an attorney are generally private, but detention facilities may monitor other calls.

  • You may request that your consulate is notified.
  • Certain arrests or convictions can lead to your visa being revoked. Reach out to the Berkeley International Office as soon as possible to discuss immigration impacts.

You believe your rights were violated

The ACLU provides information on how to react if you believe your rights are violated. The recommendations are summarized below:

  • Write down everything you remember, including: officer’s badge and patrol car numbers, what agency the officers were from, what questions they were asking, and any other details you can remember.
  • Get contact information for any witnesses at the scene.
  • If you were injured, seek medical attention and take photographs of your injuries.
  • Contact an attorney. In some circumstances, you may want two attorneys: one criminal and one immigration. Many attorneys only specialize in one area of law.

Resources

American Civil Liberties Union: The ACLU is an excellent and extensive source of information on the rights of all who are present in the U.S.

UC Berkeley Student Legal Services: The Attorney for Students advises currently registered Cal students regarding their legal questions, rights, and obligations. Please note that Student Legal Services provides counsel and guidance only, and does not represent or advocate for individual students with regard to their potential legal claims or disputes.  If your situation requires legal representation, the Attorney for Students will help refer you to appropriate resources. 

Know Your Rights Camp App: The KYRC App has state-by-state guidance on immigration rights. It is available in both English and Spanish.