Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost: Immigrant Rights

Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost is a Congressman from Central Florida who has provided this information on immigrant rights to his constituents. This website provides this information also in Spanish and Haitian. https://frost.house.gov/immigration

If you need information regarding your rights outside of Florida, you can also go to https://immigrantjustice.org, which is based in Chicago and the Midwest.

If you interact with law enforcement or ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement):

• Do not volunteer ANY information.
• You do not need to provide your immigration status or place of birth.
• Do not show or use any false or fraudulent documentation, including a fake name.
• You do not have any obligation to sign any document without speaking to an attorney. Do not sign a document you do not understand.
• Ask to see a warrant before you open the door, should ICE visit your home or place of work.
• Remember, anything you tell an officer can be later used against you in immigration court.

If you have been arrested and are facing a deportation order:

• You generally have the right to a hearing to challenge a deportation order, unless you have signed something that waives your right to a hearing or have opted for a voluntary departure.
  • If you are told you do NOT have the right to see an immigration judge, you should speak with a lawyer immediately. 
• You have the right to an attorney, but the government does not have to provide one for you. There may be free or low-cost alternatives available. 
• If you fear prosecution or torture in your home country, tell an officer and contact a lawyer immediately. You may have additional rights if you have this fear.

If you are in a Florida Hospital:

The Florida Legislature passed S.B. 1718, which requires hospitals and emergency departments that receive Medicaid to ask patients their immigration status. However: You DO NOT have to answer this question to receive care. Federal law does not allow the refusal of service due to anything related to actual or perceived immigration status.

• Remember, you have rights:
  • If a hospital or doctor’s office asks about immigration status, you have the right to decline to answer, even if they continue to ask.  
  • You have the right to keep your medical records private.
  • If Immigration Enforcement is in the hospital, remember to exercise your rights.

Are there other resources available to me than the ones here?

YES- ABSOLUTELY. Due to Congressional Rules we’re only able to direct you to resources provided by official local, state, and federal government entities. This means that you may find additional, non-government resources, like non-profits and law firms, that may be helpful to your circumstances. We encourage you to do your own research to find all the available resources available to you.

Need Assistance?

If you know a U.S. Citizen, a veteran or service member, or a lawful permanent resident being taken into immigration custody or removed from the United States that is represented by U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost in FL-10, please reach out to our office. We’re able to help you with your immigration questions and navigate the complicated and often changing immigration process. If you already have an active immigration case with a federal agency like USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services), please be prepared to provide us all relevant information.

Get Help from Our Caseworkers: Constituent Services Request Form

Call My Office: (321)-388-9808

Not in FL-10 (Central Florida/Orlando)?: Find Your Representative on House.gov