A visa is temporary permission to enter and stay in the US for a specific purpose and time. Common visas: tourist (B-2), student (F-1), work (H-1B), exchange (J-1). A visa does not give you permanent residency. A green card (officially Form I-551) is Permanent Resident status — you can live and work in the US indefinitely. Green card holders can apply for citizenship after 3-5 years. The main difference: visas expire, green cards are permanent (though they must be renewed every 10 years).

DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) provides: protection from deportation for 2-year renewable periods, authorization to work legally in the US, a Social Security Number, eligibility for a driver's license in most states. DACA does NOT provide: a path to citizenship, a green card, permission to travel internationally and return, protection for family members. To qualify you must have arrived before age 16, been under 31 as of June 15 2012, and have lived continuously in the US since June 15 2007.

The US Constitution protects everyone on US soil, regardless of immigration status. These rights include: 4th Amendment protection against unreasonable searches and seizures (you can refuse a search without a warrant), 5th Amendment right to remain silent (never answer questions about immigration status to police or ICE), 6th Amendment right to an attorney if charged with a crime, right to due process before deportation, right to emergency medical care, right to public K-12 education for children. Know these rights — they apply to you.

An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is a tax processing number issued by the IRS to people who cannot get a Social Security Number. ITINs are available to: undocumented immigrants, foreign nationals, and their dependents. ITINs allow you to file taxes, open a bank account at some banks, apply for certain loans, and build some financial history. You do not need immigration status to get an ITIN. Apply using IRS Form W-7. Many immigrants are required to file taxes even without legal status — and doing so creates a record that can help with future immigration applications.

If ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) approaches you: You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer questions about your birthplace, immigration status, or how you entered the US. If ICE does not have a warrant signed by a judge, you do not have to open your door or let them in. Ask "Do you have a warrant signed by a judge?" If arrested, clearly state "I am exercising my right to remain silent. I want to speak to an attorney." Do not sign any documents without an attorney. Contact an immigration attorney immediately.