Learning Path: Citizen
Who This Is For
Any US resident — citizen or non-citizen — who wants to understand their constitutional rights, protect themselves and their community, and participate in civic life. No prior knowledge required.
Time commitment: This path can be completed in stages. Start with the Emergency Reference below, then work through the sequence at your own pace.
Emergency Reference
If you are stopped by police: “Am I free to go?” — if no — “I am invoking my right to remain silent. I want a lawyer.”
If you are arrested: Do not resist. Say nothing except your name (if required). Call 212-679-6018 (NLG) or a lawyer immediately.
If you witness a rights violation: Record from a safe distance. Do not interfere physically. Document everything.
Key contacts:
- National Lawyers Guild: 212-679-6018
- ACLU: aclu.org
- Election Protection Hotline: 866-OUR-VOTE
Learning Sequence
Step 1: Know Your Constitutional Rights
Read: Constitutional Amendments and ICE Conduct
The constitutional framework that protects you — Fourth Amendment (searches), Fifth Amendment (silence), Sixth Amendment (attorney), First Amendment (speech, assembly, religion), and how these rights apply in practice today.
Step 2: Rights Apply Regardless of Immigration Status
Read: Constitutional Rights Regardless of Immigration Status
Constitutional rights apply to all persons in the United States — not just citizens. If you or someone in your community is an immigrant, this document explains what rights apply in every encounter with law enforcement.
Step 3: Know Your Voting Rights
Read: Your state file in the State Voting Guides section
State-by-state voter registration deadlines, ID requirements, absentee ballot rules, and what to do if your rights are violated.
Step 4: Protect Your Digital Life
Read: Digital Security for Citizens and Activists
Practical, non-technical guidance on encrypting your messages (Signal), protecting your phone at a border crossing or police encounter, and keeping your organizing communications private.
Step 5: If You Are Arrested or Detained
Read: What to Do If You Are Arrested or Detained: A Citizen’s Guide
What to say, what not to say, and what to do at every stage — from a voluntary stop through arrest, booking, and bail. Includes the NLG hotline, legal observer programs, and how to document violations.
Step 6: Find Legal Help
Read: Immigration Legal Resources Directory (immigration) Read: Finding Legal Representation: A Guide for Activists, Organizers, and Citizens (general)
How to find free or low-cost legal representation for protest arrests, civil rights violations, SLAPP suits, or federal investigations.
Key Organizations
| Organization | What They Do | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| ACLU | Civil rights defense | aclu.org |
| National Lawyers Guild | Protest legal support | nlg.org |
| Legal Services Corporation | Free civil legal aid | lsc.gov |
| Election Protection | Voting rights on Election Day | 866-OUR-VOTE |
Where to Go Next
When you’re ready to do more than protect yourself:
- Citizen Activist Playbook — take action for the first time
- Organizing a Peaceful Protest — if you want to demonstrate
- Keeping Communication Secure — deeper digital security
- If You Are Arrested or Detained — full use-case guide