Right now, around 11 million people live in California — and many of them are immigrants.
California is relatively unique in that it takes significant steps to protect the rights of immigrants who come into this country. This includes upholding and expanding civil and labor rights, providing equal access to higher education and more. The state has been creating new laws and guidance since the mid-1990s.
One important state law is called the Transparent Review of Unjust Transfers and Holds Act. Better known as the TRUTH Act, this law requires local law enforcement agencies to provide information to immigrants about their rights. The act enforces an immigrant’s right to due process in the United States.
Get to know the Transparent Review of Unjust Transfers and Holds Act
Among other things, under the TRUTH Act, law enforcement entities are required to:
- Provide a written form for consent to individuals before an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) interview, so that the immigrant understands the reason for the interview. This written form has to be in a language the person understands and should indicate that the interview is voluntary.
- Provide a copy of a request for notification, transfer or detainer to the individual in writing (in a language understandable to the immigrant in question).
- Tell the individual if ICE will be notified of their release from detention or custody on a specific date.
The goal of acts like this is to protect those who may otherwise be at a disadvantage.
When you’re an immigrant with a problem, get help
If you have questions about your rights as an immigrant, you can speak with an attorney about the TRUST Act and other protections for yourself and your family. An attorney can help protect your interests.
