Hudson S.P.E.A.K.S. hosted a free legal clinic focused on immigrant rights at Hudson County Community College, drawing over 60 clients and community members. The event, co-hosted by Bolo Behan, Women for Cause, and TAP, featured a compelling speech by immigration advocate Catherine Tansey, who emphasized the importance of being prepared for emergencies—both unexpected and life-threatening.
“I want to talk about the rights of every person living and working in the U.S., as described in the U.S. Constitution, which was adopted by the United States more than 230 years ago,” Tansey began. “But before we dive into the rights of immigrants, I want to address something important for you as a family: you should always, always be prepared for emergencies and surprises.”
Tansey urged attendees to think about potential emergencies like fires, gas leaks, or accidents. “By being prepared, I mean that you should be able to call 911 and clearly state your name, address, and the type of emergency. You should also have a go-bag, a bag with important documents, information, telephone numbers, and all that kind of stuff,” she explained.
Addressing the possibility of ICE agents arriving at one’s door, Tansey cautioned that both documented and undocumented immigrants have been subject to arrests in some ICE raids. “What’s been happening is that not only undocumented immigrants have been arrested by ICE agents, but documented immigrants have also been arrested,” she said. “So, you shouldn’t be surprised if an ICE agent arrives with the wrong information—wrong name, wrong address—and just opens the door.”
Tansey advised that families should prepare for such scenarios. “What do you do? Everyone just kind of freezes, like a deer in headlights. Who is this? So, what should you do? My suggestion is that you prepare. Prepare ahead of time. When you’re preparing for an ICE agent knocking on your door, you’re also preparing for a fire, a gas leak, or other emergencies, all at the same time. Always be prepared,” she stressed.
She further recommended keeping important documents such as passports, Social Security cards, and green cards organized and easily accessible. “You need to memorize the phone numbers of your lawyer or family members,” Tansey advised, emphasizing the importance of preparing a power of attorney with a trusted person to handle matters like bank accounts and guardianship of children in case of custody issues.
In terms of legal rights, Tansey reminded the audience of the constitutional protections that all immigrants have. “The U.S. Constitution guarantees that we all have human rights, and immigrant rights are protected by the Fourth and Fifth Amendments,” she said. “The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. This means that if someone knocks on your door, you can ask for the person’s identity.”
She encouraged participants to be vigilant, advising them to verify the authenticity of any warrants presented by ICE agents. “Look through a peephole, if you have one, or open your door just a little to see, and then ask for a warrant. On the warrant, make sure you see your name spelled correctly, your address listed correctly, and that a judge has signed it,” Tansey explained.
Tansey also highlighted the Fifth Amendment’s protection of the right to remain silent, advising attendees to assert that right if questioned. “You don’t have to answer any questions. You can simply say, ‘I assert my right to remain silent.’ If you decide to answer questions, don’t lie—tell the truth,” she concluded.
Immigration advocate Catherine Tansey educated attendees on their rights, particularly how to respond if ICE agents arrive at their homes. A demonstration video was also presented to help immigrants better understand their legal protections in such scenarios.
The free legal clinic also featured New York-based immigration attorney Keshab Raj Seadie, who shared valuable insights. Bishnu Maya Pariyar, program director of Hudson S.P.E.A.K.S. Against Sexual Violence, highlighted the event’s goal of educating the Nepali community in the U.S. on how to navigate challenges and avoid legal complications.
During the clinic, Seadie offered guidance tailored to various groups, including undocumented immigrants, international students, asylum seekers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, and individuals with existing deportation orders. He specifically advised international students to adhere strictly to immigration laws to maintain their legal status and avoid potential issues.
During the event, Kishor Panthi, Editor-in-Chief of Khasokhas, presented data on Nepalis in the U.S. who have received deportation orders, are under Temporary Protected Status (TPS), hold student visas, or have pending asylum cases. He also shed light on trends related to the deportation of Nepalis from the United States.
During the event, Bhavya Chaudhary, Outreach and Prevention Coordinator at Hudson S.P.E.A.K.S., outlined the organization’s comprehensive services for survivors of sexual violence.
Ms. Ashmeen Kaur, Outreach Coordinator at Bolo Behen, welcomed attendees and introduced Bolo Behen’s culturally specific support programs designed to assist South Asian women and their families.
Wilka Zuman, Program Manager at Northeast New Jersey Legal Services, discussed the availability of free legal assistance for survivors and underserved communities, emphasizing the importance of accessible legal resources.
Pradeep Thapa, IT Consultant at Hudson S.P.E.A.K.S. and Co-Founder of TAP the Opportunity Org, introduced the distinguished speakers and underscored the collaborative efforts of various organizations in addressing these pressing issues. He highlighted the importance of unity and partnership in creating meaningful change for immigrant communities and survivors of violence.
The forum was skillfully moderated by Ashika (Heera) Kandel, a Sexual Violence Advocate at Hudson S.P.E.A.K.S., Registered Nurse, and Secretary of Women for Cause (WFC).
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
