1. Know Your Rights: A Webinar For Refugees
Sponsored by:
Church World Service
The Refugee Center Online
International Refugee Assistance Project
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

3. Agenda Welcome & Introduction – Adamou Mohamed, Church World Service
Executive Orders – Matt Wilch and Melissa Hastings, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
Knowing Your Rights at Home – Marifer Sager, The Refugee Center Online
Traveling & Family Reunification – Betsy Fisher, International Refugee Assistance Project
Applying for a Greencard & U.S. Citizenship – Jen Smyers, CWS
Educating Your Community – Noel Andersen, CWS
Questions, Resources & Next Steps – Adamou Mohamed, CWS

4. Why We Are Here
We all deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of where we are from or how we pray. We all have rights. This presentation is meant to provide refugee and immigrant communities with urgently needed information to KNOW YOUR RIGHTS in response to the important issues facing our communities.

5. Education Not Legal Advice
The information contained in this presentation is meant to educate you about your rights. It should not be in any way considered legal advice.
Our intention is for people to be prepared and NOT scared. If you believe your rights have been violated, you should talk to a lawyer.

6. Executive Orders and their Impact on Immigrants/Refugees
What do Executive Orders do?
Main Points of the executive orders
Implication:
Undocumented People
Refugee/ Immigrant Communities
Border Communities
Refugee agencies

7. Executive Orders Executive Order 13767: Border Enforcement
Executive Order 13768: Interior Enforcement
Executive Order 13769: Suspends Admission of Refugees & People from 7 Muslim-Majority Countries; Cuts Refugees
We urge the
Administration to rescind all 3 executive orders.
Congress to publicly oppose them and prevent implementation through bills, appropriations or oversight
State and Local Officials to publicly oppose them and affirm welcome for all immigrants and refugees.

8. Border Security
Moves forward with plan to build a wall at the U.S./Mexico Border (Section 4);
Increases the number of Border Patrol officers by 5,000 (Section 8);
Calls for massive increase in detention (Sections 5-6);
Foreshadows drastic expansion in use of expedited removal (Section 11);
Reduces access to asylum & parole (Section 11);
Returns vulnerable migrants to Mexico pending removal proceedings
(Section 7);
Limits protections for unaccompanied children (Section 11); and
Prioritizes prosecutions for illegal entry and reentry (Section 13).

9. Interior Enforcement
Drastically expands the priorities DHS will use for who to apprehend and deport (Section 5);
Calls for an additional 10,000 ICE agents to be hired (Section 7);
Limits the use of prosecutorial discretion (DHS Memo Section C);
Promotes the use of local law enforcement carrying out federal immigration law (Section 8);
Attempts to cut sanctuary cities off from vital federal funding (Section 9);
Directs DHS to assess penalties and fines against undocumented immigrants and those who facilitate their presence (Section 6); and
Limits privacy protections for those who are not U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (Section 14).

10. Refugee Suspension and 7-Country Ban
A 90-day ban on visas, admission, and other immigration benefits for people from Syria, Iraq, Iran, Somalia, Sudan, Libya, and Yemen (Section 3c);*
A 120-day suspension of the refugee resettlement program (Section 5a); *
A prioritization of refugees who are religious minorities suffering religious persecution (Section 5b);*
An indefinite suspension of the arrival of Syrian refugees (Section 5c); *
A 64% decrease for U.S. refugees in 2017—from 110,000 to 50,000 (Section 5d);
Potential other roles for states and localities, with more say in placement and resettlement of refugees (Section 5g); and
A mandated review and possibly stricter security vetting procedures for refugees, immigrants, and nonimmigrants (Sections 4a, 5a, 6, 8).
* The provisions with an asterisk are halted by a court order; the others are still in force.

11. Immediate Impact
67,689 refugees have already been approved by DHS and thus will be impacted by any suspension or reduction in the program.
Many of the refugees set to come to the United States are reuniting with family. Many individuals were returned to refugee camps after selling their belongings, giving up their shelter, packing their bags and being told their destination city.
Flights were initially cancelled for refugees from the 7 nationalities listed, as well as all refugees with flights after February 3rd.
Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs), Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) recipients, and dual-nationals were soon exempted from ban.
Due to the court order, refugee flights are being booked through at least March 16.

12. Looking Ahead to New EO--Content? Impact?
President Trump’s re-written executive order will likely, among other things, institute the following:
At a minimum 90-day ban of individuals from Syria, Iran, Somalia, Sudan, Libya, and Yemen
(note: Iraq is not included on the list in this rewritten version);
At a minimum 120-day suspension of virtually the entire refugee resettlement program;
64% decrease for U.S. refugees in fiscal year from 110,000 to 50,000;
New role for states and localities regarding placement and resettlement of refugees; and
Mandated review and additional security vetting procedures for refugees, immigrants, nonimmigrants.
Unlike the initial executive order, this rewritten version will likely NOT include:
Indefinite suspension of the arrival of Syrian refugees;* and
Prioritization of refugees who are religious minorities facing religious persecution.*
While there was initial confusion, these individuals are likely exempt from the rewritten executive order:
Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs), commonly referred to as “greencard holders”
Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) recipients who worked with the U.S. military in Iraq or Afghanistan
Dual-nationals of Syria, Iran, Somalia, Sudan, Libya, or Yemen and another country
People who already have visas.
Impact: According to a key White House official, the upcoming executive order is expected to have the same “basic policy outcome” while avoiding court challenges. We urge the court system, Members of Congress, and the American public to provide oversight to ensure that the administration does not move forward with these policies, whether through the language of the original executive order or through the other, less explicit language of an upcoming order.

13. Implications
As we await the rewritten executive order, much is unknown. We need your help to educate refugee communities.
As a refugee, your current status should NOT be impacted
We recommend that you do NOT travel outside the U.S. during this time, unless you have a green card or U.S. Citizenship
There will be a massive slow down of refugee arrivals starting soon, given the reduction in admissions
Many resettlement agencies will be negatively impacted
Anti-refugee groups are urging local and state officials to try to stop resettlement in their areas.

14. Knowing Your Rights as a Refugee
At Home
Visits by Federal Agents
What you can do
Don’t open the door - unless they show a warrant
Remain silent
Do Not Sign any papers
Speak with a lawyer – Free legal services available
Call your local refugee resettlement office or legal service provider immediately
You have the right to choose not to answer any questions. Call a lawyer immediately, and write down or take pictures of the names and badge numbers of the officers

15. Know Your Rights In Your Community
Living in your community
Refugees have legal status and similar rights to U.S. citizens
You have the right to live in a safe environment
You are protected by local police department officers
If your safety is threatened or you are a victim of a crime:
Dial 911 to report what happened – Interpretation is available through language lines
Call your resettlement agency or a lawyer
If you are victim of a hate crime for your religion, nationality or membership to a particular group – Report it to the Southern Poverty Law Center at

16. Your Rights if Interviewed By A Federal Agent
Agents from the FBI or DHS may seek to talk with you. You have the right to decline to be interviewed, but this can be viewed with suspicion. Tell the agents, “I have nothing to hide but I know I have rights. I have the right to a lawyer.”
Talk to your lawyer or representative from your resettlement agency first about the interview request.
If you agree to an interview:
You have the right to have an attorney present. Find legal services at or
You can choose the time and place for the interview.
You can request to know what the questions will be at the interview and have an interpreter present.
You do not have to answer all the questions you are asked, if you are not comfortable.
REMEMBER: You MUST NOT give false information during your interview. It will be considered a criminal offense and may result in negative consequences.

17. Surveillance
Surveillance is a legal process used by local, state, and federal law enforcement.  You should speak with a lawyer if you feel you are under surveillance.

18. Internet Use
Be careful about the websites you visit. Make sure that they do not hold extremist ideologies. Do not engage in online conversations with others who might hold radical views.
There can often be a generation gap between how parents are accustomed to using the Internet and how children or youth choose to use social media. Discuss social media use with your children.

19. Discrimination
Discrimination involves treating a person differently because of his or her age, gender, country of origin, race/color, religious beliefs, physical or mental disability, or veteran status. in the U.S.

20. Protected classes
The entire United States is covered by the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination by privately owned places of public accommodation on the basis of the following protected classes:
Age
Pregnancy
National Origin
Race
Ethnic Background
Religious Beliefs
Sexual Orientation
Places of “public accommodation” include hotels, restaurants, theaters, banks, health clubs and stores. Nonprofit organizations such as churches are generally exempt from the law.

21. Examples of discrimination
Not being hired for a job because of your country of origin
Receiving threatening messages or notes because of your race
Being told you can’t shop somewhere
Discrimination against Muslims
We know Muslim refugees are being targeted.
We know that there is a lot of fear and misunderstanding in the United States right now causing people to treat others badly

22. What to do? Remember, you still have rights.
Document everything. Take pictures or videos.
If you receive threatening notes or if someone is yelling at you, call the police: 911.
Report it immediately to your resettlement agency.
If you have been discriminated against, you can contact your local ACLU. To learn more visit their website at

23. Travel
Currently, the ban on refugee resettlement and the visa ban has been temporarily suspended by the US courts. However, we still recommend nationals of the seven countries (Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Somalia, Yemen and Libya) who are in the United States do not travel at this time, unless it is extremely urgent or an emergency, because the situation may change again very soon.
There is a high risk of travelling outside of the United States for individuals who do not have U.S. citizenship.

24. Know Your Rights Travelling Abroad Refugee status Green Card
Travel Ban Temporarily Suspended
Green card holders can travel but may be stopped and questioned
Risky period to travel with refugee status
Potential for secondary interview or search without a warrant
Free legal services available
Refugee status
Green Card
U.S. Citizenship

25. Your Rights at Airports or on the Border
•Law enforcement officers at the airport and at port of entries generally have the authority to conduct a “routine search” of all luggage and to ask you questions about your citizenship and travel itinerary without a warrant.
•If you are selected for a secondary interview at the airport, you have the right to ask for a lawyer. Many lawyers are making themselves available free of charge for this purpose.
•If you or someone you know is detained, you should contact: call your local ACLU, and report about your experience using this form.
•Leave a copy of your itinerary and travel document with a trusted family member or relative

26. Family Reunification
•P-3 and I-730: refugees and asylees who recently came to the United States can reunite with family members
•Cut from 110,000 to 50,000 refugees means that there may be long delays for these family members
•If your resettlement agency or a lawyer filed an application for your family members, you should contact that lawyer to see how the Executive Order might impact your family

27. Applying for a Greencard & U.S. Citizenship
After refugees have been in the U.S. for one year, they can apply for Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status, commonly referred to as a “greencard”
After refugees have been in the U.S. for five years, they can apply for U.S. citizenship
We encourage everyone who can apply for a greencard or U.S. citizenship to do so
Citizenship is a privilege and responsibility, and is a more stable status than refugee status or LPR status.

28. Criminal Convictions
Criminal convictions can have very negative consequences for individuals who are not U.S. citizens, including individuals with refugee status or LPR status (a “greencard”)
Offenses that are considered misdemeanors for U.S. citizens are considered “aggravated felonies” for non-U.S. citizens
Non-U.S. citizens can face deportation for minor offenses
Talk to a lawyer if you have a conviction, you may be able to get it taken off your off your record
Make sure young people understand the consequences of their actions
us-residents-can-be-removed.html

29. ADVOCATE Refugees are great advocates for their community
Tell your stories – Change the narrative about refugees
Meet, call your elected officials – Build champions for refugee issues
Join an advocacy coalition and take action

30. SPEAKING OUT Mobilizing your base, allies and community support
Organizing our community for change

31. What YOU Can Do!
Call & set up meetings with national, state & local policy makers!
and post on whitehouse.gov/contact  and Facebook.com/WhiteHouse
Ask community members to sign these sector-specific letters: 
bit.ly/Business4Refugees
bit.ly/Educators4Refugees
bit.ly/LawEnforcement4Refugees
bit.ly/Health4Refugees
bit.ly/FaithLeaders4Refugees

32. Next Steps for Leaders

33. Questions?

34. Updates from the Field
What are the stories of rights violations you are hearing from the field?
Are know your rights training in your community?
Are you willing to lead a Know Your Rights workshop?

35. How to Host a Know Your Rights Workshop
You can host a know your rights workshop in your community.
You can use this the Know Your Rights Toolkit and Power Point provided on today’s webinar
We’re providing a curriculum to help you lead the workshop and teach the material
Get in touch with a local trusted lawyer from one of the refugee resettlement offices or legal service provider to co-facilitate a workshop

36. How to Host a Know Your Rights Workshop
Hold conversations with key leaders from immigrant, refugee and Muslim organizations to collaborate on the workshop and have a farther reach in the community
Secure a location where the community will feel welcomed and safe
Pick a day and time that is convenient for the work schedules for immigrants and refugees
Design a flyer and Facebook event and beginning inviting people two weeks ahead of time.

37. How to Host a Know Your Rights Workshop
Before the event, meet with legal service providers to discuss the workshop agenda and curriculum beforehand, assign roles and time limits for each section of agenda
Do the community outreach leading up to the event texting, calling, messaging, social media posts and s, make sure to do a reminder one day before the event.
Make sure to have as sign in sheet at your event so you can follow up after the workshop

38. Follow Up- Post Workshop
With the list you gather at the workshop, send out the toolkit after the event thanking participants for attending
Consider meeting again and forming a team of refugee and immigrant leaders in your city or region.
Contact Adamou Mohamed for more support on community organizing with refugees and immigrants

39. Workshops in Refugee Languages
We will be hosting workshops in:
Arabic, French, Karen, Nepali, Somali and Swahili
Dates will be sent out soon!

40. Additional Resources Church World Service: http://GreaterAs1.org
The Refugee Center Online:
The International Refugee Assistance Project:
Immigrant Defense Project: dontgeticed.org/
USCCB Justice for Immigrants Campaign:
Informed Immigrant:
American Civil Liberties Union:
Council on American-Islamic Relations:
NILC:
Customs & Border Protection: help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/66/kw/executive%20order
Refugee Resettlement Offices by State:
Map of Immigration Legal Service Providers:
For Schools:
For Non-Profit Organizations:

41. THANK YOU