If you or someone you know is a resident of NY-09 (Central/Southwest Brooklyn ) and has been taken into immigration custody or removed from the United States, please document all information and reach out to our office. While the immigration process is difficult to navigate, our team of caseworkers will do everything we can to assist you and your loved ones, and find a solution if there is one available. —————— DISCLAIMER: The contents on this page are for general informational purposes only. Its contents are not legal advice. INFORMATION IS PROVIDED ‘AS IS’, WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY OR ANY REPRESENTATION, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, OF ACCURACY, TIMELINESS, OR COMPLETENESS. THE BURDEN OF DETERMINING ACCURACY, COMPLETENESS, TIMELINESS, MERCHANTABILITY, AND FITNESS FOR OR THE APPROPRIATENESS FOR USE RESTS SOLELY ON THE USER.  THE USER ACKNOWLEDGES AND ACCEPTS THE LIMITS OF THE INFORMATION, INCLUDING THE FACT THAT THE CONTENTS ARE DYNAMIC AND IS IN A CONSTANT STATE OF MAINTENANCE, CORRECTION, AND UPDATE. THE OFFICE COMMITS TO DO EVERYTHING IN ITS POWER TO VERIFY THE INFORMATION PROVIDED AND CORRECT AND POST INFORMATION IN A TIMELY AND ACCURATE MANNER. CONSTITUENTS MAY CONTACT OUR OFFICE WITH SUGGESTIONS FOR THIS PAGE IF THEY ENCOUNTER A DISCREPRENCY OR ERROR.

Your Rights

• You have the right to remain silent and to contact an attorney.

• You have the right to due process and to have your case heard before a judge.

If you interact with law enforcement or ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement):

• Do not volunteer ANY information.

• You do not need to provide your immigration status or place of birth.

• Do not show or use any false or fraudulent documentation, including a fake name.

• You do not have any obligation to sign any document without speaking to an attorney. Do not sign a document you do not understand.

• Ask to see a warrant before you open the door, should ICE visit your home or place of work.

• Remember, anything you tell an officer can be later used against you in immigration court.

If you have been arrested and are facing a deportation order:

• You generally have the right to a hearing to challenge a deportation order, unless you have signed something that waives your right to a hearing or have opted for a voluntary departure.

• If you are told you do NOT have the right to see an immigration judge, you should speak with a lawyer immediately. 

• You have the right to an attorney, but the government does not have to provide one for you. There may be free or low-cost alternatives available. If you fear prosecution or torture in your home country, tell an officer and contact a lawyer immediately. You may have additional rights if you have this fear.

Are there other resources available to me than the ones here?

YES- ABSOLUTELY. Due to Congressional Rules we’re only able to direct you to resources provided by official local, state, and federal government entities. This means that you may find additional, non-government resources, like non-profits and law firms, that may be helpful to your circumstances. We encourage you to do your own research to find all the available resources available to you.

Need Assistance?

If you know a U.S. Citizen, a veteran or service member, or a lawful permanent resident being taken into immigration custody or removed from the United States that is represented by U.S. Rep. Yvette D. Clarke in NY-09, please reach out to our office. We’re able to help you with your immigration questions and navigate the complicated and often changing immigration process. If you already have an active immigration case with a federal agency like USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services), please be prepared to provide us all relevant information.

Call My Office: (718)287-1142

Not in NY-09?: Find Your Representative on House.gov