Immigration rights explained after Selena Gomez breaks down in tears over Trump’s policies

It's been a little over a week since Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th president of the United States of America.

In his inauguration speech (20 January), the 78-year-old Republican leader - who happens to be the first person convicted of a felony to assume the presidency - announced his plans to 'halt' all 'illegal entry' into the US.

"And we will begin the process of returning millions and millions of criminal aliens back to the places from which they came," he continued, just days before also announcing his intentions to end birthright citizenship for the children of undocumented immigrants.

Trump also announced plans to deport millions of immigrants to Central and South America.

Following such executive orders, the Mexican government is now preparing for thousands of deportees it expects to arrive from the US in the coming weeks.

What happened with Selena Gomez?

Earlier this week (27 January), Gomez was subjected to a fair amount of backlash, after sharing a tearful video of herself responding to a series of Trump's new executive orders, many of which surround immigration.

In the clip which has since been removed by the television star, the 32-year-old - who is a third-generation Mexican American - broke down crying while discussing the new president's plans to deport millions of immigrants to Central and South America.

"All my people are getting attacked, the children," she said.

"I don’t understand. I’m so sorry, I wish I could do something but I can’t. I don’t know what to do. I’ll try everything, I promise."

Unfortunately for the Only Murders In The Building star, her video inadvertently sparked criticism subsequently leading to her removing the video from her story.

Shortly after, she shared a message on her Instagram story, reading: "Apparently it’s not OK to show empathy for people."

Selena Gomez broke down in tears on Instagram earlier this week (Instagram/@selenagomez)

'Immigrant rights' on Google see an all-time high in five years

According to entertainment news firm Popfaction, millions of people have been frantically researching one aspect of the controversial new order since the star shared her emotional upload.

Popfaction reported that Google searches for 'immigration rights' have reached a five-year high this week, with many possibly having been influenced by the 'Who Says' singer's message of concern.

The news has resulted in mass support for Gomez, with one fan gushing online in response to the search surge: "Yes yes and yes, it’s just about empathy about something that touches her soul, because of her story, and also, she always get emotional and shows support when it comes to vulnerable stuff."

Another added: "I don't care what anyone else say I will always have Selena's back no matter what!!! Everyone can have a different opinions on this matter."

There has been a colossal search in people Google searching 'immigration rights' (Google)

Immigration rights explained

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), an organisation that advocates for civil liberties and constitutional rights, explains that regardless of your immigration status, individuals have guaranteed rights under the Constitution.

If law enforcement do ask about immigration status, ACLU advised: "Stay calm. Don’t run, argue, resist, or obstruct the officer, even if you believe your rights are being violated. Keep your hands where police can see them."

It also added: "Don’t lie about your status or provide false documents."

Trump previously outlined his plans to halt 'all illegal entry' into the US (Joe Raedle / Staff / Getty Images)

ACLU outlines the four points surrounding an individual's rights if they find themselves in the situation as described above:

• You have the right to remain silent and do not have to discuss your immigration or citizenship status with police, immigration agents, or other officials. Anything you tell an officer can later be used against you in immigration court.
• If you are not a U.S. citizen and an immigration agent requests your immigration papers, you must show them if you have them with you.
• If an immigration agent asks if they can search you, you have the right to say no. Agents do not have the right to search you or your belongings without your consent or probable cause.
• If you’re over 18, carry your papers with you at all times. If you don’t have them, tell the officer that you want to remain silent, or that you want to consult a lawyer before answering any questions.

You can find out more about immigration rights on the official ACLU website here.