Know Your Rights Cards
Know Your Rights Cards
Section titled “Know Your Rights Cards”KYR (Know Your Rights) cards are wallet-sized cards that remind you of your rights during an encounter. They’re available in many languages.
The Red Card / Tarjeta Roja
Section titled “The Red Card / Tarjeta Roja”Download Red Cards
Section titled “Download Red Cards”Official source: ILRC Red Cards — Available in 56 languages
| Language | Download |
|---|---|
| English | |
| Spanish | |
| Chinese, Arabic, Vietnamese, Korean, Tagalog, + 49 more | All Languages |
Red Card Text
Section titled “Red Card Text”Front of card:
You have constitutional rights:
- DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR if an immigration agent is knocking on the door.
- DO NOT ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS from an immigration agent if they try to talk to you. You have the right to remain silent.
- DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING without first speaking to a lawyer. You have the right to speak with a lawyer.
- If you are outside of your home, ask the agent if you are free to leave and if they say yes, leave calmly.
- GIVE THIS CARD TO THE AGENT. If you are inside of your home, show the card through the window or slide it under the door.
Back of card:
I do not wish to speak with you, answer your questions, or sign or hand you any documents based on my 5th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution.
I do not give you permission to enter my home based on my 4th Amendment rights under the United States Constitution unless you have a warrant to enter, signed by a judge or magistrate with my name on it that you slide under the door.
I do not give you permission to search any of my belongings based on my 4th Amendment rights.
I choose to exercise my constitutional rights.
How to Use the Red Card
Section titled “How to Use the Red Card”- Keep it accessible — Wallet, phone case, near your door
- If ICE knocks — Show through window or slide under door
- If approached outside — Hand it to the agent
- Don’t open the door — The card speaks for you
- Stay silent — Let the card do the talking
Why Carry a KYR Card
Section titled “Why Carry a KYR Card”Benefits
Section titled “Benefits”- Memory aid - Stress makes it hard to remember what to say
- Non-verbal communication - You can show the card instead of speaking
- Legitimacy - Shows you know your rights
- Protection - Exercising rights is harder to challenge when documented
How to Use
Section titled “How to Use”- Keep it in your wallet or phone case
- If stopped, you can hand it to the officer
- You can read from it if you forget phrases
- You can point to relevant sections
What’s on a KYR Card
Section titled “What’s on a KYR Card”Typical Contents
Section titled “Typical Contents”Front:
- “I am exercising my constitutional rights”
- Right to remain silent
- Right to refuse consent to search
- Right to an attorney
Back:
- Additional rights information
- Emergency contacts
- What to do if arrested
Example Card Text
Section titled “Example Card Text”I AM EXERCISING MY CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS
This card is not a government ID.
• I choose to remain silent.• I do not consent to a search.• If I am detained, I want a lawyer.• I do not consent to entry without a warrant signed by a judge.
Emergency Contact: _______________Where to Get KYR Cards
Section titled “Where to Get KYR Cards”National Organizations
Section titled “National Organizations”ACLU
- Website: aclu.org/know-your-rights
- Available in multiple languages
- Free downloads
National Immigration Law Center (NILC)
- Website: nilc.org
- Know Your Rights resources
- Multiple languages
United We Dream
- Website: unitedwedream.org
- Focus on DACA and immigrant youth
- Downloadable resources
Regional Resources
Section titled “Regional Resources”ICIRR (Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights)
- Digital card: bit.ly/ICIRRCards
- Available in 13+ languages
Immigrant Defense Project (New York)
- Raid response resources
- Multi-language cards
Languages Available
Section titled “Languages Available”Most organizations offer cards in:
- Arabic
- Chinese (Simplified & Traditional)
- English
- French
- Haitian Creole
- Hindi
- Korean
- Polish
- Portuguese
- Quechua
- Russian
- Spanish
- Tagalog
- Ukrainian
- Urdu
- Vietnamese
Printable Cards
Section titled “Printable Cards”Basic English Card
Section titled “Basic English Card”Print, cut, and fold:
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐│ ││ I AM EXERCISING MY RIGHTS ││ ││ □ I have the right to remain silent. ││ □ I do not consent to a search of my person, ││ belongings, home, or vehicle. ││ □ If I am being detained, I want a lawyer. ││ □ I will not sign anything without a lawyer. ││ ││ This card is NOT a government ID document. ││ │├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤│ ││ AT MY DOOR: ││ □ I do not consent to entry. ││ □ Please slide any warrant under the door. ││ □ Is this warrant signed by a judge? ││ ││ EMERGENCY CONTACT: _________________________ ││ LAWYER: _____________________________________ ││ │└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘Basic Spanish Card
Section titled “Basic Spanish Card”┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐│ ││ ESTOY EJERCIENDO MIS DERECHOS ││ ││ □ Tengo el derecho de guardar silencio. ││ □ No doy mi consentimiento para ninguna ││ búsqueda de mi persona, mis pertenencias, ││ mi casa o mi vehículo. ││ □ Si estoy detenido, quiero un abogado. ││ □ No firmaré nada sin un abogado. ││ ││ Esta tarjeta NO es un documento de ││ identificación del gobierno. ││ │├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤│ ││ EN MI PUERTA: ││ □ No doy mi consentimiento para entrar. ││ □ Por favor pase la orden por debajo de la puerta.││ □ ¿Esta orden está firmada por un juez? ││ ││ CONTACTO DE EMERGENCIA: ____________________ ││ ABOGADO: ___________________________________ ││ │└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘Digital Options
Section titled “Digital Options”Phone Lock Screen
Section titled “Phone Lock Screen”Set your lock screen to display:
- “I am exercising my constitutional rights”
- Emergency contact number
- Basic rights statement
ACLU Mobile Justice App
Section titled “ACLU Mobile Justice App”- Record encounters
- Know your rights info
- Automatic upload of recordings
- State-specific versions
Distributing KYR Cards
Section titled “Distributing KYR Cards”In Your Community
Section titled “In Your Community”- Partner with local organizations
- Set up tables at community events
- Include in Know Your Rights trainings
- Leave at churches, community centers
- Give to neighbors during canvassing
Best Practices
Section titled “Best Practices”- Provide in appropriate languages for your community
- Explain how to use them
- Pair with rights education
- Replace worn or damaged cards
Limitations
Section titled “Limitations”What Cards Can’t Do
Section titled “What Cards Can’t Do”- Cards don’t prevent detention
- Cards don’t substitute for a lawyer
- Cards don’t guarantee rights will be respected
- Exercising rights may not prevent all violations
Cards Are Reminders
Section titled “Cards Are Reminders”They help you:
- Remember what to say
- Stay calm
- Exercise rights consistently
- Document that you invoked your rights
Family Preparedness
Section titled “Family Preparedness”Each Family Should Have
Section titled “Each Family Should Have”- KYR cards for every family member (age-appropriate)
- Emergency plan documented
- Power of attorney prepared
- Important documents copied and stored safely
- Emergency contacts memorized and written
- Phones secured — See Mobile Hardening Guide
Digital Preparedness
Section titled “Digital Preparedness”Your phone contains information that can be used against you and your family. Before an encounter:
- Use a passcode, not face/fingerprint unlock (biometrics can be compelled)
- Enable encryption — On by default for most modern phones
- Set up secure messaging — Signal with disappearing messages
- Know how to lock quickly — Practice locking your phone fast
- Back up important contacts — Family may need access if you’re detained
See the Digital Force Protection Guide for comprehensive digital security.
Children’s Cards
Section titled “Children’s Cards”See the full Children’s Safety Card section below for a complete, age-appropriate card you can practice with your child.
Children’s Safety Card
Section titled “Children’s Safety Card”The Card (Read This to Your Child)
Section titled “The Card (Read This to Your Child)”MY SAFETY CARD
If a stranger knocks on the door:
- Do NOT open the door — Even if they say they are police
- Find a grown-up you trust — Mom, Dad, Grandma, Auntie, or your safe person
- If no grown-up is home, stay quiet and stay away from the door
If a stranger asks you questions:
You can say:
“I need to talk to my mom/dad.”
“I want my family.”
“Please call my grown-up.”
You do NOT have to answer:
- Where your parents are
- Where your parents work
- Where you live
- Anything you don’t want to answer
It’s okay to say: “I don’t want to talk to you.”
Remember:
- You are safe
- You are loved
- Your family will find you
- It’s okay to be quiet
My Emergency Contact:
- Name: _______________
- Phone: _______________
My Safe Word: _______________
How to Practice with Your Child
Section titled “How to Practice with Your Child”Like a fire drill, not a scary story:
-
Keep it calm and simple — “Sometimes strangers might come to our door. Let’s practice what to do.”
-
Role play — Knock on a door and have them practice NOT opening it and coming to get you.
-
Practice the phrases — Have them repeat: “I want my mom/dad” until it’s automatic.
-
Memorize the phone number — Make it a song or game. Quiz them regularly.
-
Create a safe word — A word only your family knows. If someone says the safe word, the child knows that person was sent by family.
-
Reassure them — “If this ever happens, you did nothing wrong. We will always find you. You are safe and loved.”
What Children Need to Know
Section titled “What Children Need to Know”| Teach Them | Don’t Teach Them |
|---|---|
| Don’t open the door for strangers | Details about immigration or arrest |
| Find a trusted adult | That they are responsible for protecting the family |
| It’s okay to be quiet | Scary “what if” scenarios |
| Memorize the emergency phone number | Complex legal concepts |
| Their safe word | Anything that creates fear or anxiety |
Printable Children’s Card
Section titled “Printable Children’s Card”┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐│ ││ MY SAFETY CARD ││ ││ If someone knocks: ││ ✓ Do NOT open the door ││ ✓ Find a grown-up ││ ✓ Stay quiet if alone ││ ││ If someone asks questions, say: ││ "I want my mom/dad." ││ "Please call my grown-up." ││ ││ It's OKAY to not answer questions. ││ It's OKAY to be quiet. ││ ││ I am safe. I am loved. ││ My family will find me. ││ ││ CALL: _______________________ ││ ││ SAFE WORD: __________________ ││ │└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘For Older Children (Ages 8-12)
Section titled “For Older Children (Ages 8-12)”Older children can understand a bit more:
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐│ ││ MY RIGHTS CARD (for kids) ││ ││ IF SOMEONE OFFICIAL COMES TO THE DOOR: ││ □ Do NOT open the door ││ □ Get a parent or trusted adult ││ □ If alone, do not answer — stay safe inside ││ ││ IF SOMEONE ASKS YOU QUESTIONS: ││ □ You do NOT have to answer ││ □ Say: "I want to talk to my parents" ││ □ Say: "I want to call my emergency contact" ││ □ You can stay quiet — that's okay ││ ││ REMEMBER: ││ □ You did nothing wrong ││ □ Your family loves you ││ □ Someone will come for you ││ □ Be brave and be quiet ││ ││ EMERGENCY CONTACT: _____________________ ││ PHONE: _________________________________ ││ BACKUP CONTACT: ________________________ ││ PHONE: _________________________________ ││ │└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘Bilingual Version (English/Spanish)
Section titled “Bilingual Version (English/Spanish)”┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐│ ││ MY SAFETY CARD / MI TARJETA DE SEGURIDAD ││ ││ Do NOT open the door. ││ NO abras la puerta. ││ ││ Find a grown-up. ││ Busca a un adulto. ││ ││ Say: "I want my mom/dad." ││ Di: "Quiero a mi mamá/papá." ││ ││ You don't have to answer questions. ││ No tienes que contestar preguntas. ││ ││ It's okay to be quiet. ││ Está bien estar callado/a. ││ ││ I am safe. I am loved. ││ Estoy seguro/a. Soy amado/a. ││ ││ CALL / LLAMA: _______________________ ││ │└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘If a Child Is Separated from Parents
Section titled “If a Child Is Separated from Parents”If the worst happens and a child is separated:
What the child should know:
- Their full name
- Parent’s full name
- Emergency contact phone number (memorized)
- That they should keep asking for their family
- That someone will come for them
What parents should prepare:
- Designate a guardian in writing (power of attorney for childcare)
- Give copies to school, daycare, trusted family members
- Ensure child knows the designated guardian
- Have child’s documents (birth certificate, medical records) accessible to the guardian
- Teach children their parents’ full legal names and phone numbers
- Set up secure messaging on their device (see below)
Setting Up Secure Communication for Children
Section titled “Setting Up Secure Communication for Children”Why SimpleX for children:
- No phone number needed — Works on wifi-only devices
- No account to create — Just install and start messaging
- Multiple profiles — Child can have their own profile
- End-to-end encrypted — Messages are private
- Works on iPad/tablets — Perfect for kids who don’t have phones
How to set it up:
- Install SimpleX on your phone — iOS | Android
- Install SimpleX on child’s device — Works on iPad, Android tablet, or old phone
- Create a direct connection — Scan QR code between devices
- Practice sending messages — Make sure child knows how to reach you
- Show them it works on wifi — Test when the child is at school or a friend’s house
Practice scenario:
“If you ever can’t find us and you’re somewhere with wifi, open SimpleX and send us a message. We will find you.”
Alternative: Signal (if child has a phone number)
- Signal also works but requires a phone number
- Good option if child has their own phone with service
Emergency Contact Card for Wallet/Backpack
Section titled “Emergency Contact Card for Wallet/Backpack”Small card for a child to keep:
┌─────────────────────────────────┐│ MY NAME: _____________________ ││ ││ CALL: _______________________ ││ ││ Say: "I want my family." ││ Di: "Quiero a mi familia." ││ ││ I don't have to answer ││ questions. │└─────────────────────────────────┘Resources
Section titled “Resources”Download Cards
Section titled “Download Cards”National Organizations:
| Organization | Languages | Link |
|---|---|---|
| ILRC Red Cards | 56 languages | ilrc.org/red-cards-tarjetas-rojas |
| CLINIC KYR Cards | 10 languages | cliniclegal.org |
| ACLU Know Your Rights | Multiple | aclu.org/know-your-rights |
| United We Dream | Multiple | unitedwedream.org |
| National Immigrant Justice Center | Multiple | immigrantjustice.org |
Regional Organizations:
| Organization | Region | Link |
|---|---|---|
| ICIRR | Illinois | bit.ly/ICIRRCards |
| Immigrant Defense Project | New York (17 languages) | immigrantdefenseproject.org |
| Northwest Immigrant Rights Project | Washington | nwirp.org/resources/kyr |
| RAICES | Texas | raicestexas.org |
Family Preparedness Resources
Section titled “Family Preparedness Resources”Essential family planning documents:
| Resource | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| ILRC Family Preparedness Plan | Complete guide for families | English PDF |
| ILRC Plan Familiar | Spanish version | Spanish PDF |
| CLINIC 50-State Guide | State-specific emergency prep | cliniclegal.org/epif |
Order Printed Cards
Section titled “Order Printed Cards”Many organizations will mail printed cards:
- Local immigrant rights organizations
- ACLU chapters
- Legal aid societies
- Churches and community centers often have supplies
Create Custom Cards
Section titled “Create Custom Cards”If creating for your community:
- Use simple, clear language
- Have translations reviewed by native speakers
- Include local emergency numbers
- Test with community members
- Reference ILRC Red Card as model