The Cameroon Advocacy Network provides general information regarding legal processes accessible to Cameroonians and other asylum seekers and immigrants residing in the United States. This information is not intended as legal advice for specific applications. It is strongly recommended to seek guidance from an attorney or register as a member to access legal assistance when necessary.
Please note that requirements may evolve over time. Always verify the most up-to-date information from official sources, such as government agencies or the organization processing your request.
Step 1
Know Your Rights
No matter one’s immigration status, everyone living in the U.S. has certain basic rights under the U.S. Constitution. It is important that we all assert and protect our basic rights.
Remember:
1. You have the right to remain silent. You may refuse to speak to immigration officers.
2. Do not open your door. You do not have to open the door. You do not have to open the door or let the officers into your home unless they have a valid search warrant signed by a judge.
• An ICE deportation warrant is not the same as a search warrant. If this is the only document they have, they cannot legally come inside unless you verbally agree to let them in.
• If the officers say they have a search warrant signed by a judge, ask them to slide it under the door or hold it up to a window so you can see it.
• If the warrant does not have your correct name and address on it and is not signed by a judge you do not have to open the door or let them inside.
• If at any point you decide to speak with the officers, you do not need to open the door to do so. You can speak to them through the door or step outside and close the door.
•  You may refuse to show identity documents that say what country you are from.Â
- Do not show any false documents and do not lie.
3. You have the right to speak to a lawyer. If you are detained or taken into custody, you have the right to seek an attorney and to receive a phone call from your attorney. Ask for a copy of the Detainee Handbook to understand the Detention Center’s rules.
• Even if you do not have a lawyer, you may tell the
immigration officers that you want to speak to one.
• If you have a lawyer, you have the right to talk to them. If you have a signed Form G-28, which shows you have a lawyer, give it to an officer.
• If you do not have a lawyer, ask an immigration
officer for a list of pro bono lawyers.
• You also have the right to contact your consulate. The consulate may be able to assist you in locating a lawyer.
• You can refuse to sign any/all paperwork until you have had the opportunity to speak to a lawyer.
• If you choose to sign something without speaking to a lawyer, be sure you understand exactly what the document says and means before you sign it.
You have the right to speak to request to make a phone call to family members or friends for free if you do not have enough money in your account after 10 days
4. Always carry with you any valid immigration document you have.
Step 2
Know Your Remedies: Learn About Your Immigration Options
There are various immigration options that you might be eligible for. Here are some of the immigration options that we are able to help you with.
Asylum
1. Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
2. U Visa for victims of crime
3. T Visa for victims of human trafficking
4. DALE (Deferred Action for Labor Enforcement)
5. Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
6. Special immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)
7. Family-Based Petitions and Parole in Place
Step 3
Know your Defense Strategy.
Step 4
Prepare Ahead of Time
- Create an Emergency Plan:
An Emergency Plan is a document that everyone should have to protect themselves and their families in case of an emergency, such as a fire, an earthquake, or an interaction with or arrest and detention by ICE.
Please do not carry your Emergency Plan around with you! Keep it in a safe place, such as a safe deposit box or a secure drawer, with other important documents like your passport, medical prescriptions, and other immigration documents.
Only share the location of your Emergency Plan with trusted friends and relatives. Make sure they know where it is, why it is important, and how to access it in case you are arrested by ICE. Never share your Emergency Plan with ICE agents!
- Share your plan with family and friends in case of detention (e.g., childcare arrangements, financial matters).
- Keep important documents in a safe place (copies of IDs, birth certificates, and immigration paperwork).
- Carry a Know-Your-Rights Card:
- These cards state your rights in case of an ICE encounter. You can hand it to officers if you’re too nervous to speak.
Summary of the Memorandum on Expedited Removal Policies Discretion of ICE officers.
On January 20, 2025, DHS acting director signed a memorandum entitled Exercising Appropriate Discretion Under Parole Authority. That memorandum clarifies DHS’s position regarding the scope of the parole statute, 8 U.S.C. § 1182( d)(5), and directs a variety of actions to implement the memorandum. The memorandum also authorizes DHS components to pause, modify, or terminate, effective immediately, any parole program that is inconsistent with the memorandum-subject to certain conditions designed to ensure any such actions are lawful.
In other terms, this memorandum outlines new policies that expand the use of expedited removal, a fast-track process for deporting certain immigrants who have not been continuously present in the U.S. for two years. It also provides instructions to immigration officials on how to apply these policies, emphasizing their discretion in deciding individual cases. Here’s what it means for those who may be affected:
Key Points to note in Simple Terms
- What Is Expedited Removal?
- Expedited removal is a process where immigration authorities can deport certain individuals quickly without a full hearing before an immigration judge.
- The memorandum expands this to include a broader group of immigrants who have been in the U.S. for less than two years.
- Government Discretion in Enforcement
- Immigration authorities have the power to decide whether to start deportation proceedings or to let someone remain in the U.S., based on their discretion.
- This discretion allows officials to consider individual circumstances before applying expedited removal.
- New Actions for Immigration Officials
- For individuals eligible for expedited removal but not yet subject to it:
- Officials are directed to review these cases and decide whether expedited removal should be applied.
- This may involve ending any ongoing court cases or parole status (temporary permission to stay in the U.S.).
- For individuals not eligible for expedited removal but on temporary parole:
- Officials must review their cases to decide if deportation proceedings should be started.
- Parole status may also be reassessed to see if it’s still appropriate, considering any changes in laws or facts.
- For individuals eligible for expedited removal but not yet subject to it:
How This May Impact You
- Expanded Risk of Deportation: If you’ve been in the U.S. for less than two years and meet certain criteria, you could now be at greater risk of being placed in expedited removal proceedings.
- Case-by-Case Decisions: Immigration officials have discretion, which means they will look at individual cases instead of applying the policy uniformly.
- Parole Under Review: If you’re on parole, your status may be reviewed, and officials might decide to change or end it.
Advice for the Community
- Know Your Rights: If approached by immigration officials, you have the right to remain silent and request an attorney.
- Seek Legal Help: If you believe this policy may affect you, consult with an immigration attorney or a trusted legal service organization.
- Keep Records: Gather documents showing how long you’ve been in the U.S. and any proof of ties to the community (e.g., work records, school enrollment, etc.).
- Stay Informed: Monitor updates to this policy and how it is implemented.
While these policies are concerning, the discretion of officials means that each case may be treated differently. Advocates and attorneys can help argue for your ability to remain in the U.S. based on your individual circumstances. Find a network, advocate or lawyer who can support you in these circumstances.
Also, if you haven’t signed up to be a CAN member, please use the link https://linktr.ee/camaroonadvocacynetwork to do so.
