Connaissez vos droits : Si l'ICE vient sur votre lieu de travail
Juliana LaMendola • March 20, 2025
Click here to read this article in English
Toutes les personnes vivant aux États-Unis, quel que soit leur statut d'immigration, jouissent de certains droits constitutionnels américains. Si des agents des services de l'immigration et des douanes (ICE) se rendent sur votre lieu de travail, ils doivent disposer soit (1) d'un mandat de perquisition valide, soit (2) du consentement de votre employeur pour pénétrer dans les zones non publiques. Les zones non publiques peuvent comprendre les salles de pause du personnel, les salles de serveurs, les locaux techniques, les bureaux du département des ressources humaines, les salles de réunion privées, etc. Toutefois, l'ICE peut pénétrer dans les zones publiques de votre lieu de travail (hall d'entrée, zone de réception, parking, etc.) sans mandat ni consentement de votre employeur.
Si vous rencontrez l'ICE sur votre lieu de travail, il est important de rester calme. Si un agent vous arrête, vous pouvez lui demander si vous êtes libre de partir. S'il vous répond par l'affirmative, partez calmement. S'il dit non, restez où vous êtes et n'essayez pas de partir.
Vous avez le droit de garder le silence. Vous n'êtes pas obligé de parler à l'ICE, de répondre à des questions ou de présenter des documents. Si l'on vous pose des questions sur votre lieu de naissance, sur la manière dont vous êtes entré aux États-Unis ou sur votre statut d'immigrant, vous pouvez refuser de répondre ou garder le silence. Si vous choisissez de garder le silence, dites-le à haute voix : « Je choisis de garder le silence ». Si les agents vous demandent de vous tenir dans un groupe en raison de votre statut d'immigrant, vous n'êtes pas obligé de vous déplacer. Préparez-vous à faire valoir vos droits en téléchargeant, en imprimant et en portant sur vous un « carton rouge » (disponible sur le site https://www.ilrc.org/red-cards-tarjetas-rojas) indiquant que vous ne souhaitez pas parler, répondre à des questions ou signer des documents.
Vous n'êtes pas tenu de présenter des documents d'immigration. Vous pouvez refuser de présenter des documents d'identité qui révèlent votre nationalité ou votre citoyenneté. Toutefois, ne présentez jamais de faux documents ou de fausses informations.
Si vous êtes détenu ou placé en garde à vue, vous avez le droit de contacter un avocat immédiatement. Même si vous n'avez pas d'avocat, vous pouvez dire aux agents de l'immigration : « Je veux parler à un avocat ». Si vous avez un avocat, vous avez le droit de lui parler et, si possible, de fournir une preuve de cette relation (comme un formulaire G-28 signé) à un agent. Si vous n'avez pas d'avocat, demandez une liste d'avocats pro bono (gratuits)
ou low bono (peu coûteux).
Vous n'êtes pas obligé de signer quoi que ce soit sans en parler d'abord à un avocat. Si vous décidez de signer des documents, assurez-vous de bien en comprendre la signification, car la signature peut vous faire renoncer à vos droits ou conduire à votre expulsion.
Si vous pensez que vos droits ont été violés, écrivez ce qui s'est passé. Veillez à inclure des détails spécifiques tels que les noms, les numéros de badge et ce qui a été dit et fait exactement. Signalez la violation à un avocat ou à une organisation de défense des droits des immigrés dès que possible.
Si vous ou quelqu'un que vous connaissez risquez d'être affecté par ce décret, il est essentiel que vous restiez informé et que vous compreniez vos droits. Au cabinet Santos Lloyd Law Firm, P.C., nos avocats de confiance spécialisés dans les questions d'immigration sont à votre disposition pour vous guider et vous soutenir pendant cette période d'incertitude. N'hésitez pas à nous contacter si vous avez besoin d'aide.
Ce blog n'est pas destiné à fournir des conseils juridiques et rien ici ne doit être interprété comme établissant une relation avocat-client. Veuillez prendre rendez-vous avec un avocat spécialisé en droit de l'immigration avant d'agir sur la base de toute information lue ici.
It’s no secret that the U.S. immigration system has faced increased scrutiny and change in recent months. From evolving policies to headlines filled with uncertainty, it’s understandable that many individuals are left wondering: Is this still the right time to pursue a future in the United States? The answer is yes—and here’s why. Despite the shifting political landscape, the core structure of U.S. immigration law remains firmly in place. While the process may appear more complex or demanding than it once was, the legal pathways to live, work, and thrive in the United States are still open and accessible to those who take the proper steps. What often gets lost in the conversation is that the United States remains a country built on innovation, creativity, and resilience. It continues to attract global talent, entrepreneurs, artists, and professionals from all walks of life. Whether you are launching a business, advancing your career, or seeking a better life for your family, the United States offers unparalleled opportunities to those who are prepared and determined. Much of what makes the United States a global economic and technological leader today is the direct result of contributions made by immigrants. Nearly half of the current Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children. Immigrant entrepreneurs have long been an essential part of America’s economic success story. Some of the largest and most recognizable American companies were founded by immigrants or the children of immigrants. This includes household names such as Apple and Costco. Moderna, the pharmaceutical company and vaccine producer, was founded by a Canadian-born stem cell biologist, Derrick J. Rossi, whose parents themselves emigrated from Malta. These success stories are not outliers; they are part of a broader pattern that reflects the drive, innovation, and resilience that immigrants bring to the country. The United States also offers one of the most dynamic and diverse economies in the world. It is a place where hard work, fresh ideas, and entrepreneurial vision are rewarded. For creative professionals, business leaders, and investors, the United States provides a unique platform to grow, connect, and gain global influence. Its competitive marketplace, access to capital, and culture of innovation create unmatched opportunities for those ready to seize them. While the immigration process requires careful planning, that process is far from impossible. Indeed, having strong legal guidance is one of the most effective advantages an applicant can possess. Immigration law is complex, and each case must be evaluated individually. A clear, strategic plan tailored to your background and goals can significantly improve your chances of success. What may feel like a hurdle at first glance is often navigable with solid preparation and documentation. At our immigration law firm, we have had the privilege of assisting individuals from all over the world as they navigate these complexities. Time and again, we have witnessed how determination, careful preparation, and experienced legal counsel can turn uncertainty into opportunity and help transform a vision for the future into reality. If you have been uncertain about whether to move forward, let this be your sign to take the next step. The United States is still a land of possibilities. If you are ready to take that step, now is the time to act. Let us build your path forward together.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals from Honduras, Nicaragua, Nepal, Haiti, and Cameroon. These longstanding protections are set to expire, putting many individuals at risk of deportation.
For individuals applying under the O-1A or EB-1A categories , both reserved for professionals with extraordinary ability, letters of recommendation are a critical part of the petition. These expert testimonial letters offer valuable insight into your accomplishments, reputation, and influence within your field. When written properly, they help demonstrate that you truly stand out as someone who has risen to the very top of your profession. Many petitions submitted by highly accomplished individuals fall short because the recommendation letters are vague, overly personal, or fail to clearly explain why the applicant meets the legal standard of extraordinary ability. That is why taking the time to prepare your recommenders effectively is not just helpful. It is essential to build a strong and persuasive case. First, it is important to help your recommenders understand the purpose of the letter . This is not a casual reference or character recommendation. It is a formal declaration to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services that you possess extraordinary ability in your area of expertise. The letter must describe your achievements in concrete terms and explain why your work has had a significant impact and recognition within your field. Many professionals, no matter how accomplished, are unfamiliar with the specific requirements of the O-1A and EB-1A categories. It is helpful to provide them with a short explanation of what is needed, and in some cases, a sample or outline to guide them. Selecting the right recommenders is just as critical as the content of the letters themselves. While USCIS gives greater weight to letters from independent experts, independence should not be confused with distance. The ideal recommender is someone who knows your work well and can provide specific and credible insight into your contributions, impact, and reputation in the field. A letter from someone who barely knows you, or one that focuses more on the recommender’s own accomplishments than yours, is unlikely to carry much weight with USCIS. A common mistake is submitting letters that read more like summaries of the recommender’s resume than a meaningful evaluation of your achievements. While a brief introduction of the recommender’s qualifications is important to establish credibility, the focus must remain squarely on you , your work, your innovation, and the ways in which your impact is considered extraordinary. The strongest letters go beyond general praise. They include clear and detailed examples of how your contributions have influenced others in your field or led to measurable outcomes. To make the letter as accurate and persuasive as possible, you should provide your recommenders with a summary of your most important professional milestones. This might include major awards, media coverage, patents, publications, notable leadership roles, or metrics showing the commercial or scientific success of your work. Well-prepared recommendation letters serve as both evidence and narrative. They help fulfill specific legal requirements and also tell the story of how and why your work has earned you distinction. In a category defined by terms like extraordinary ability, it is important that every part of your petition reinforces that standard. At Santos Lloyd Law Firm, we work closely with our clients and their recommenders to develop strong and compelling testimonial letters that meet USCIS expectations and highlight each applicant’s unique contributions.
