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A Manual for Immigrants, Refugees, Migrants, and Undocumented Individuals

Introduction

All people have certain rights and are protected under law regardless of their status in the United States. This is a brief introduction to the rights of immigrants, refugees, migrants and undocumented individuals. It provides general information about housing, employment, public benefits, non-discrimination, domestic violence, immigration and interaction with the police and the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). The information in this manual is not legal advice. If you need more information about a specific issue, you may use the contact numbers listed at the end of each section.

We hope that you will share the information in this manual with others in the community so that all may know of their rights. When rights are violated, it is important that these abuses are documented and reported. Contact the organizations below to report abuses or to become involved in working to defend rights.

Kentucky Consortium for Hispanics/Latinos

Abdon Ibarra (859) 258-3807 Lexington

Maria Scharfenberger (502) 589-8600 Louisville

Hispanic/Latino Coalition of Louisville

Maria Scharfenberger (502) 589-8600

Claudia Peralta (502) 574-1457

World Communities

(502) 585-9911 Ext. 2404v

Mayor’s Office for International and Cultural Affairs

Donna Craig (502) 574-4774

Claudia Peralta (502) 574-1457

Table of Contents

• The right to have an interpreter
• If you are stopped by the INS
• If you are stopped by the police
• Legal immigration
• Naturalization
• The right to be free from violence in the home
• Labor rights
• Public benefits
• Housing rights
• Eligibility for housing assistance