Know your Rights as an International Student

International students under any visa type must follow their visa regulations but you also have certain rights in the U.S., even when you are approached by a police or law enforcement officer.

You have the right to contact your country’s Consulate if you need help. Visit the Los Angeles County website for a list of consulates in Los Angeles. 

  • You have the right to remain silent.
  • You have the right to refuse to answer questions about your immigration or crimial history.
  • You have the right to leave if you are not under arrest. 
  • You have the right to remain silent and speak with law enforcement in the presence of a lawyer, even if you don't have one at the moment: “I don’t want to answer your questions, sign or hand you any documents. I wish to speak to my lawyer.” 
  • Contact the International Student Center (ISC) if you need a list of immigration lawyers.
  • You have the right to refuse the entry of law enforcement into your home or apartment. 
  • You have the right to refuse a search of your pockets and your car
  • You have the right to not answer questions about your immigration or criminal history


What to say if you are stopped by law enforcement

  • Be polite and remain calm.
  • If you are being arrested: 
    • Comply but do not answer additional questions. Anything you say can be later used against you in court. 
    • Ask to speak in the presence of a lawyer, even if you do not have one: “I will answer your questions in the presence of my lawyer”.  
    • Ask the ISC for a list of immigration lawyers. 
  • If the officer presents you a warrant: 
    • If the warrant is signed by a judge, you must comply and follow the instructions. We recommend you only speak to law enforcement in the presence of your lawyer, even if you don't have one at the moment: “I will answer your questions in the presence of my lawyer”.  
    • If the warrant is not signed by a judge, you can choose not to comply: "I don't want to answer your questions, sign or hand you any documents. Am I free to go?" or “I will answer your questions in the presence of my lawyer”.  
    • Ask the ISC for a list of immigration laywers if you do not have one.
  • If you are not being arrested:
    • Ask why they stopped you
    • “I don’t want to answer your questions, sign or hand you any documents. Am I free to go?" 
In some U.S. states, you must provide your name to law enforcement even if you are stopped and even if you choose to remain silent. Even after you give your name, you do not have to answer any other questions.
If you choose to provide your information to law enforcement, be cautious. Verify the officer's badge number and name, their precinct or police station contact number, and write down as much detail regarding the incident afterwards. 


Additional Tips

  • Carry with you a copy of your passport, F-1 visa, I-94 record and I-20 record.
  • Do not lie about your status or provide false documents.
  • 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.
    • If you are not sure, ask for help from the ISC. 
  • Refer to the Immigrant Defense Project for additional resources if you are stopped by law enforcement.