| { | |
| "url": "https://www.buffalo.edu/international-student-services/immigration-visa/u-s--laws-and-your-rights.html", | |
| "title": "U.S. Laws and Your Rights - International Student Services - University at Buffalo", | |
| "content": "[University at Buffalo (UB)](//www.buffalo.edu/)\nIt\u2019s important to understand the laws based on where you live and study. Here, you'll find information about what you can and can't do, and how to stay safe. Some of the words might be new, but don't worry \u2013 if you're not sure about something, ask ISS or other campus offices for help understanding.\nAs someone visiting the United States from another country, you have rights to keep you safe. But there are also things you need to be careful about when you join protests or demonstrations.\nIf you get arrested, charged, and found guilty while participating in a protest, it could affect your ability to stay in the country or apply for visas later on. For example, if the police tell everyone to leave, and you don't go quickly enough, you could end up getting arrested. Being found guilty means you broke a state or federal law. Your immigration status may depend on avoiding legal trouble by following all laws.\nIf you are arrested, it will be very important to consult with a criminal attorney to advise and support you during any court proceedings. While a court will assign an individual an attorney if they cannot afford one, not all attorneys are familiar with the impact on immigration status of an arrest or acceptance of certain plea decisions.\nIt is also important that you continue to maintain your immigration status. International students need to remember that their purpose for being in the U.S. is to be a full-time student, and they should continue to attend all classes.\nComplying with [University rules and codes of conduct](https://www.buffalo.edu/studentlife/life-on-campus/community/rules.html) are a part of maintaining status.\nDid you know that UB has its own policy for assembly and protest? At UB, you have the right to protest and gather together, but you must always follow the rules from the university and law enforcement.\nProtest and free speech rights in the United States are outlined by the U.S. Constitution. The U.S. Constitution's First Amendment protects people's rights to gather for protests (freedom of assembly), speak out (freedom of speech), and ask the government for changes without reprisal (right to petition).\nThese rights aren't only for U.S. citizens. They also protect visitors from other countries who join lawful public demonstrations and protests. Know your rights as a noncitizen and learn [how to respond to immigration questions](https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/immigrants-rights#law-enforcement-asks-about-my-immigration-status) if you are stopped by police or other government officials.\nFederal laws apply to everyone in the United States. State and local laws apply to people who live or work in a particular state, county, or town. As an international student you are expected to comply with all laws and regulations that apply to your situation, including federal laws. Failure to do so can result in a violation of status.\nWhile New York and many U.S. states have recently changed laws related to marijuana, it is still considered a controlled substance by the federal government. International students who possess or use cannabis products may be subject to severe consequences (for example, visa refusal or revocation). In this case, where state and federal law conflict, international students are always subject to federal law. It may also be helpful to review [UB's policy on alcohol & drugs](https://www.buffalo.edu/administrative-services/policy-compliance-and-internal-controls/policy/ub-policy-lib/alcoholic-beverages-drugs-narcotics.html).", | |
| "headings": [ | |
| { | |
| "level": 1, | |
| "text": "U.S. Laws and Your Rights" | |
| }, | |
| { | |
| "level": 2, | |
| "text": "Protests and Your Rights" | |
| }, | |
| { | |
| "level": 3, | |
| "text": "Potential Impact on Your Immigration Status" | |
| }, | |
| { | |
| "level": 3, | |
| "text": "UB Picketing & Assembling Policy" | |
| }, | |
| { | |
| "level": 3, | |
| "text": "Your Rights" | |
| }, | |
| { | |
| "level": 2, | |
| "text": "State Law vs. Federal Law" | |
| }, | |
| { | |
| "level": 2, | |
| "text": "Additional Resources" | |
| }, | |
| { | |
| "level": 2, | |
| "text": "Disclaimer" | |
| }, | |
| { | |
| "level": 2, | |
| "text": "New Students" | |
| }, | |
| { | |
| "level": 2, | |
| "text": "Activities" | |
| }, | |
| { | |
| "level": 2, | |
| "text": "Immigration & Visa" | |
| }, | |
| { | |
| "level": 2, | |
| "text": "Social Security Card & Income Tax" | |
| }, | |
| { | |
| "level": 2, | |
| "text": "Life in Buffalo" | |
| }, | |
| { | |
| "level": 2, | |
| "text": "About Us" | |
| }, | |
| { | |
| "level": 1, | |
| "text": "Your Privacy is Important To Us." | |
| } | |
| ], | |
| "faqs": [], | |
| "important_links": [ | |
| { | |
| "text": "3/31/25Your I-20 & Next Steps", | |
| "url": "/international-student-services/for-new-students/your-i-20---next-steps.html" | |
| }, | |
| { | |
| "text": "4/18/25Visa Information", | |
| "url": "/international-student-services/for-new-students/immigration-and-visas.html" | |
| }, | |
| { | |
| "text": "2/10/25E-form Processing Times", | |
| "url": "/international-student-services/immigration-visa/e-form-processing-times.html" | |
| }, | |
| { | |
| "text": "2/10/25Financial Documentation", | |
| "url": "/international-student-services/immigration-visa/financial-documentation.html" | |
| }, | |
| { | |
| "text": "2/10/25Information Sessions", | |
| "url": "/international-student-services/workshops-trips-events/workshops.html" | |
| }, | |
| { | |
| "text": "E-form Processing Times", | |
| "url": "/international-student-services/immigration-visa/e-form-processing-times.html" | |
| }, | |
| { | |
| "text": "Financial Documentation", | |
| "url": "/international-student-services/immigration-visa/financial-documentation.html" | |
| }, | |
| { | |
| "text": "3/31/25Your I-20 & Next Steps", | |
| "url": "/international-student-services/for-new-students/your-i-20---next-steps.html" | |
| }, | |
| { | |
| "text": "4/18/25Visa Information", | |
| "url": "/international-student-services/for-new-students/immigration-and-visas.html" | |
| }, | |
| { | |
| "text": "2/10/25Information Sessions", | |
| "url": "/international-student-services/workshops-trips-events/workshops.html" | |
| }, | |
| { | |
| "text": "2/10/25E-form Processing Times", | |
| "url": "/international-student-services/immigration-visa/e-form-processing-times.html" | |
| }, | |
| { | |
| "text": "2/10/25Financial Documentation", | |
| "url": "/international-student-services/immigration-visa/financial-documentation.html" | |
| } | |
| ], | |
| "categories": [ | |
| "immigration", | |
| "employment" | |
| ], | |
| "scraped_at": "2025-04-26T01:20:29.750621", | |
| "path_hierarchy": [ | |
| "international-student-services", | |
| "immigration-visa", | |
| "u-s--laws-and-your-rights.html" | |
| ], | |
| "domain": "www.buffalo.edu" | |
| } |