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- October 19, 20269ยฐ
- BIST10011,572-1.28%
- USD49.45+0.05%
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- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
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- October 19, 20269ยฐ
12
Rights and Legal Risks
Your rights and legal risks as an immigrant: constitutional rights, loss of status, the deportation process, asylum, criminal records, finding a lawyer, scams, consumer complaints, and traffic rules.
Topics in this section
- 12.8 Consumer rights: complaint options (FTC, CFPB, state attorney general)Learn about free complaint options with the FTC, CFPB, and state consumer protection agencies for problems involving companies, banks, or fraud. Gather your documents and first contact the company, then the appropriate agency.
- 12.9 Traffic tickets and police vehicle stopsWhen the police stop your vehicle, pull over safely, keep your hands visible, follow instructions, and provide your documents. Respond to the traffic ticket on time; rules vary by state.
- 12.1 Constitutional rights as an immigrantImmigrants present in the United States benefit from many constitutional protections even if they are not citizens. Learn about your rights when encountering police or immigration officers, the documents you must carry, and how to report violations.
- 12.2 Loss of status, unlawful presence, and the 3/10-year entry barA status violation and unlawful presence are different; the 3- and 10-year entry bars arise based on the period of unlawful presence. If your period has expired, check your I-94 and promptly evaluate your options.
- 12.3 Removal (deportation) proceedings, immigration courtRemoval proceedings take place in an EOIR immigration court and can have serious consequences. Attend your hearings, report address changes, and consult an immigration attorney as early as possible.
- 12.4 Asylum applicationAn asylum application is filed using Form I-589 by people physically present in the United States who have been persecuted or fear persecution. The application generally must be filed within one year of the last entry.
- 12.5 The impact of criminal records on an immigration caseCriminal, arrest, and conviction records from the United States or Turkey can affect visa, green card, citizenship, and asylum applications. Collect your records completely and consult an immigration lawyer before the criminal case ends.
- 12.6 Finding an attorneyWhen choosing an attorney or accredited representative for immigration matters, check their authority and disciplinary records. Use free assistance lists, avoid notario scams, and keep copies of your forms.
- 12.7 Workplace and rental scamsLearn the signs of fake job offers, wage theft, and rental scams. Know your rights regardless of your immigration status, and report quickly if you are scammed.
Last reviewed October 16, 2026. This content is general information, not legal advice.