What should you do if you encounter the police while studying in the United States?

This question is a bit broad. In fact, specific issues need to be analyzed in detail.

First of all, there are many types of police in the United States. Although ordinary police are responsible for everything, they basically don’t deal with immigration issues. Immigration issues are managed by a separate department (ICE under USCIS is the law enforcement department)

Under normal circumstances, if you encounter a police officer following you while driving and turn on your lights or siren, you should confirm your surroundings If the environment is safe, take the initiative to pull over and accept questioning. Turn off the stereo, don't open the windows, and keep your hands on the steering wheel while you wait. When the police comes, he will knock on your window and ask you to roll it down when he confirms it is safe. Always keep your hand where he can see it, otherwise it will be easy to pull out a gun. The main thing is to just listen to his instructions and don't do anything self-righteous. If he asks you for his driver's license, you can get it for him. That's basically it.

It’s a little more troublesome when the police knock on the door at home. First of all, you need to make sure whether you have broken the law, because the United States requires that the police cannot enter your home without your consent, but the police will not tell you this. If you open the door and let them in, then They can come in. If you have violated the law, you can choose not to accept questioning at this time and not let the police enter unless the other party shows you a house search certificate, arrest warrant, etc. (warrent). If you have not broken the law, I also suggest that you wait for the other party to explain his intention before deciding whether to let him in, because there are indeed problems with police racial discrimination and violent law enforcement in the United States. Of course, all this assumes that he shows you relevant documents and you confirm that he is a police officer. After entering the house, just like in the car, go and find what he wants from you. Don't move too suddenly, otherwise he will think you are prone to attack, and it will be legal for him to hit you. The bottom line is don't give him any reason to think you might have a weapon or might attack him.

No matter what the situation is, if the police comes to your door, you don’t have to answer his questions and try to find a lawyer to solve the problem