Immigration resources for members of the Saint Paul Area Association of REALTORS®

NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER:

This resource document has been created by the Saint Paul Area Association of REALTORS®. It is not a substitute for legal or operational advice, and the Saint Paul Area Association of REALTORS® (SPAAR) recommends contacting independent legal counsel regarding immigration related matters that are specific to your business.

Our Message to Our Members:

We, at SPAAR, understand that current events in the Twin Cities and beyond around immigration are top of mind for many. We also understand that we live in a world of extraordinary political divide, and the current landscape surrounding immigration is no exception. Even in such times, we have an obligation to speak out where it can provide guidance, support and clarity to our members and their clients and customers. That is the intention of providing these resources.

We represent more than 7,500 real estate professionals who are Realtors®. All Realtors® are bound by a Code of Ethics that requires the highest standards in the industry, including equal professional service for all people. We are proud to represent members of many races, origins, ethnicities and nationalities and believe that our association and profession are greatly enriched by our diversity. We also believe our communities are strengthened by our local, State and Federal Law enforcement agencies.

We know that members have questions about how the current events surrounding immigration may impact their real estate businesses. This resource document is intended to provide high-level information and resources to consider for those questions and is not legal advice. Members should discuss the areas of this resource document further with their own legal counsel and brokers. These resources are not exhaustive but rather are simply a series of resources relevant to this topic. We do not endorse any one resource over the other and leave it to members to assess the weight and value they place on each of them.

Your Ethical Obligation as a Realtor^®

Article 10 of Code of Ethics:

Realtors^® shall not deny equal professional services to any person for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Realtors^® shall not be parties to any plan or agreement to discriminate against a person or persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Realtors^®, in their real estate employment practices, shall not discriminate against any person or persons on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

The Law: The Minnesota Human Rights Act and US Constitution

Minnesota Statute 363 A.02 subdiv.1 (a)(2) – Freedom from Discrimination
It is the public policy of this state to secure for persons in this state, freedom from discrimination: in housing and real property because of one or more of the following: race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, marital status, disability, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, and familial status;

Minnesota Statute 363 A.02 subdiv. 2 – Civil Right
The opportunity to obtain employment, housing, and other real estate, and full and equal utilization of public accommodations, public services, and educational institutions without such discrimination as is prohibited by this chapter is hereby recognized as and declared to be a civil right.

US Constitutional Rights

All people in the U.S., regardless of status, have due process and equal protection under the 5th & 14th Amendments, meaning you have rights when interacting with law enforcement.

Sharing Client Information and Interacting with Law Enforcement

Remember your fiduciary duties and maintain privacy. Never share confidential client information, including immigration status, citizenship, or other personal details, without written consent from your client or if required by law.
Stay calm and factual. If contacted by an immigration official who requests client information, remain calm and do not provide false information. Ask the immigration official to identify themselves, record their details, and refer the matter to your managing broker and legal counsel before responding.

General Resources & Assistance