CJ Migrants Foundation

C&J Migrant Solutions Foundation Inc(Migrants Empowered. was founded in 2023 as an outgrowth of C&J Migrant Solutions, LLC, a successful, black woman-owned business helping migrants with the immigration form process. Both the Foundation and C&J Migrant Solutions, LLC are the passion of Candace Boykins a migrant from Jamaica and, a certified immigration form specialist, with the sole purpose of helping those who wish to become legal citizens of the United States of America.
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Know Your Rights

A Guide for Migrants Empowered

Know Your Rights: Stay Informed, Stay Empowered – Navigating Your Journey with Confidence and Clarity.

Migrants Empowered is committed to providing critical resources and information to ensure the safety, dignity, and empowerment of our migrant community. This document outlines your rights as a migrant, based on Maryland laws, federal guidelines, and community protections.

Your Rights in Maryland

  1. Protections Against Discrimination
  • Maryland’s 2019 laws prohibit Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other agencies from stopping, detaining, or discriminating against individuals based solely on their immigration status.
  • Local law enforcement in Maryland is not required to enforce federal immigration laws.
  1. Requirement of a Warrant
  • ICE cannot enter your home or workplace without a judicial warrant signed by a judge. Administrative warrants issued by ICE are not sufficient for entry.
  • If ICE does not have a judicial warrant, you have the right to refuse entry.

Unlock possibilities! Schedule a meeting with us for personalized consultations. Our experts are ready to guide you through the immigration process. Your journey starts here.

Book A Meeting with Us

If You Are Stopped by ICE or Police

Stay Calm and Assert Your Rights

  1. Remain Silent: You have the right to remain silent. You do not need to answer questions about your immigration status or where you were born.
  2. Do Not Sign Anything: Do not sign any documents without consulting a lawyer.
  3. Ask for a Lawyer: If detained, request legal representation. Migrants Empowered can help connect you to legal resources as we have attorneys and legal assistants on staff.

What to Do If ICE Comes to Your Home

  • Do Not Open the Door: Ask the agent to slide the warrant under the door. Verify that it is signed by a judge.
  • Document Everything: Record the interaction if possible, and write down badge numbers, names, and any details about the encounter.

Your Rights at School

Safe and Supportive Schools Policy

  • Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) are committed to providing a safe environment for all students, regardless of immigration status.
  • ICE is not allowed to conduct enforcement actions on school grounds without prior approval from school officials.
  • Teachers and staff are not required to disclose a student’s immigration status.

What Parents Can Do

  1. Stay Informed: Understand the policies of your child’s school and the rights they provide.
  2. Emergency Plan: Have a plan in place for your child in case of an emergency, including who will care for them if you are detained.

Community Resources

Our community resources provide essential support, including legal assistance, education, job training, and social services. We empower individuals with the tools and guidance needed to thrive and build a successful future.

Legal Assistance

  • Contact Migrants Empowered for affordable legal services and paralegal support.
  • Reach out to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) for additional resources and guidance.

Support Services

  • Behavioral health counseling is available through Migrants Empowered to address stress and anxiety caused by immigration challenges.
  • Community events and workshops are held regularly to provide updates on rights and protections.

What You Can Do

  1. Know Your Rights: Carry a “Know Your Rights” card with you at all times (available through Migrants Empowered).
  2. Educate Others: Share this information with friends, family, and your community.
  3. Report Violations: If you witness or experience a rights violation, document the incident and report it to organizations like the ACLU or Migrants Empowered.
  4. Advocate for Policy Changes: Support local initiatives that protect migrants’ rights and prevent discrimination.

What You Can Do

Migrants Empowered

Craig A. Moe – Laurel Multiservice Center 204 Fort Meade Rd, Laurel, MD 20707

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

3600 Clipper Mill Rd, Suite 350
Baltimore, MD 21211
Takoma Park Field Office: 301.270.2258

Central American Resource Center (CARECEN)

1460 Columbia Road NW, Suite C-1 Washington, DC 20009
Phone: 202-328-9799

Prince George's County Public Schools

Sasscer Administration Building 14201 School Lane
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
301-952-6000