Know Your Rights

We want everyone in our community to know — regardless of who you are or where you come from — your City government welcomes and values you. The diversity of our community is part of what makes the City of Madison a great place.  

Madison benefits tremendously from immigrants and individuals of all racial, ethnic, religious, and gender identity backgrounds. They study and learn besides us; run the small businesses we cherish and depend on; and most importantly, enrich our city with different ideas, perspectives, and culture. They are our neighbors, coworkers, and friends. Madison stands with them and will continue to be a welcoming community to all.

— Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway

Community Resources

Please note: These are links to community organizations. The content within is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice from the City of Madison. For legal guidance, please consult an attorney.

Additionally, students and workers here under properly issued visas also often are subject to certain additional rules. Accordingly, they should also refer to the regulations and information provided by USCIS governing such visas.

Legal Assistance

Dane County Office of Immigration Affairs
608-242-6260

Community Immigration Law Center
CILC recommends first contacting the Office of Immigration Affairs before reaching out to their office.
608-640-4444

Voces de la Frontera

Centro
Community resources page has helpful documents.

Know Your Rights

Voces de la Frontera
Information on immigration rights, voting rights, and driver licenses. Voces also provides Know Your Rights training opportunities thorough the year.

ACLU of Wisconsin
Provides Know Your Rights videos in English, Spanish, Urdu, Arabic, Haitian Creole, Russian, and Mandarin.

Centro
Printable guides on Know Your Rights, as well as other legal paperwork.

Emergency Hotline

Voces de la Frontera has an emergency hotline that's available 24/7 in English and Spanish.

1-800-427-0213

Madison Police Department Policy

The Madison Police Department has a longstanding policy of not detaining, arresting, or investigating any person(s) solely for a suspected violation of immigration status laws.

MPD also has a guide on demonstrations and assemblies.