Charlotte’s Spanish Community Prepares for Changes Ahead
Charlotte, N.C. — As the nation gears up for a new political landscape, the Carolina Migrant Network is stepping in to ensure that the city’s Spanish-speaking community knows their rights. The non-profit organization is encouraging immigrants to stay informed about their civil rights during these uncertain times, especially with President Elect Donald Trump at the helm.
Know Your Rights: A Vital Mission
Over the past few months, the Carolina Migrant Network has been diligently hosting “conoce tus derechos” meetings, which translates to “know your rights.” These informative sessions aim to equip immigrants with the knowledge they need to protect themselves legally, especially as fears about mass deportations linger in the air.
Stefania Arteaga, a co-director of the organization, expresses how crucial these meetings are in a climate where undocumented immigrants may feel uneasy about their status. She believes that the new administration may indeed follow through on its campaign promises regarding deportation, which the American Immigration Council estimates could impact over 300,000 individuals in North Carolina alone. Of that number, more than 100,000 are located right in Charlotte.
Understanding Rights under the U.S. Constitution
“Regardless of their status in the United States, every immigrant has some rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution,” Arteaga points out. She lays out several critical rights that immigrants should be aware of:
- The right to not open the door without a warrant
- The right to remain silent when detained
- The right to request an attorney if questioned
- The ability not to sign any documents without legal representation
To aid in this educational effort, the Carolina Migrant Network has created brightly colored red cards that list essential rights in both English and Spanish. Arteaga encourages immigrants to keep these cards handy. “In the event that someone is stopped by an ICE agent or any form of law enforcement, these rights need to be at their fingertips,” she explains.
What’s Next?
While the future remains uncertain, Arteaga emphasizes the importance of preparation and understanding. “We just want to make sure that people come out and learn, and prepare themselves,” she says. To continue this mission, the Carolina Migrant Network has scheduled their next “know your rights” meeting for January 11th. This important gathering will take place at Saint John’s Baptist Church, located at 300 Hawthorne Ln., from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
The organization made it clear that these meetings will persist even after Trump assumes office, aiming to maintain a consistent dialogue about rights and protections available to immigrants.
Community Support is Vital
The upcoming meeting is expected to draw a crowd, demonstrating a robust community spirit. The Carolina Migrant Network believes that knowledge is power, and by keeping the community informed, they can help empower individuals to stand up for their rights.
As the political climate shifts, Charlotte’s Spanish community remains vigilant and resolute, eager to grasp the tools necessary to navigate any challenges that may arise. The Carolina Migrant Network is committed to being there every step of the way, reinforcing the message that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their immigration status.
