Know Your Rights: When Encountering Law Enforcement at the Airport

For U.S. Citizens

1. Law enforcement officers can’t select you for a personal search or secondary inspection based on your religion, race, national origin, gender, ethnicity, or political beliefs.

2. You don’t have to answer questions about your religious beliefs and practices or political opinions.

3. You only need to answer questions establishing your identity and citizenship. However, refusal to answer routine questions about the nature and purpose of your travel could result in delay and/or further inspection.

4. You can’t be denied entry to the U.S. for refusing to provide passwords or unlocking devices, although refusal to do so might lead to delay, additional questioning, and/or officers seizing your device for further inspection.

For Lawful Permanent Residents (“Green Card” Holders)

1. Law enforcement officers can’t select you for a personal search or secondary inspection based on your religion, race, national origin, gender, ethnicity, or political beliefs.

2. You don’t have to answer questions about your religious beliefs and practices or political opinions. You can’t be denied entry to the U.S. for declining to answer such questions.

3. You only have to answer questions establishing your identity and permanent residency. Refusal to answer other questions may cause delay, but officials can’t deny you entry for that reason.

4. You can’t be denied entry to the U.S. for refusing to provide passwords or unlocking devices, although refusal to do so might lead to delay, additional questioning, and/or officers seizing your device for further inspection.

For Non-citizen Visa Holders or Visitors

1. Law enforcement officers can’t select you for a personal search or secondary inspection based on your religion, race, national origin, gender, ethnicity, or political beliefs.

2. Customs officers have the authority to ask about your immigration status, but you may decline to answer questions about your religious beliefs and practices or political opinions. However, doing so may lead to delay, additional questions, or possibly denial of entry into the U.S.

3. If you are selected for longer questioning, refusal to answer questions may result in denial of entry.

4. You are entitled to an attorney during primary and secondary inspection. We encourage you to have the phone number of an attorney or legal services organization with you and call them if you feel your rights are being violated.

5. If you are denied entry to the U.S. and you fear you might be persecuted or tortured if you are sent back, you should tell the customs officer and ask for asylum.