A City of Seattle ordinance has been passed regarding inquiries by City of Seattle police officers and employees into immigration status.

What this means is:

A City of Seattle police officer within the City of Seattle
should not ask to see your immigration documents.

              Exception: when the officer has reasonable suspicion to 
            believe you were previously deported from the United States
            and are committing or have committed a felony criminal-law 
            violation.

A City of Seattle employee should not ask to see your immigration documents.

Important Suggestions:

• If a police officer anywhere asks you for identification, do not offer your immigration documents. Provide him/her with a driver's license or Washington State ID card.
• If you are being questioned by the police or INS/BCIS or about your immigration status or about a suspected crime, tell the officer you wish to speak with a lawyer. See below for numbers.
• You have the right to remain silent and request a lawyer and an interpreter. You should simply say: "I wish to remain silent. I wish to speak to a lawyer. I wish to have an interpreter."
• You should know that anything you say to officials could be used against you.
• Remaining silent or asking for a lawyer does not mean you are guilty of any crime.
• Do not sign anything.
  You do not have to tell them where you were born, where you are from, or whether or not you are a U.S. citizen. This information can be used against you.
• To request a criminal defense lawyer, call the Public Defender Association at (206) 447-3900.
• If you need an immigration lawyer, Northwest Immigrant Rights Project at (206) 587-4009, may be able to help you if you are low income or can send you a list of private immigration lawyers. (If you are not detained, call Tuesdays at 10 AM)
   

To report harassment, discrimination, or incidents of violence or for a 
list of immigration lawyers call:
24-hour Arab Hotline with Arabic speakers available
(206) 634-9001
Flyer by the Arab American Community Coalition (AACC), a non-profit civil rights organization.

Contact info@theaacc.org or www.theaacc.org