Immigrants’ Rights

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The ACLU has been at the forefront of almost every major legal struggle on behalf of immigrants’ rights, focusing on challenging laws that deny immigrants access to the courts, impose indefinite and mandatory detention, and discriminate on the basis of nationality. In addition, we have challenged constitutional abuses that arise from immigration enforcement at the federal, state, and local levels, including unconstitutional enforcement tactics by the federal government and local agencies.

When the government has the power to deny legal rights and due process to one vulnerable group, everyone’s rights are at risk. Using targeted impact litigation, advocacy, and public outreach, the ACLU is dedicated to expanding and enforcing the civil liberties and civil rights of immigrants and to combating public and private discrimination against them.

The Latest

News & Commentary
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From the Courts to the Classroom: A back-to-school toolkit

With this toolkit, the ACLU seeks to provide greater clarity in the context of a shifting federal policy landscape ahead of the 2025-2026 academic year.
News & Commentary
Vermont state highway intersection

A Vermonter’s guide to accessing accurate identification documents

No matter what happens in Washington, we should all be free to access identity documents that reflect who we really are. And, it’s why we encourage Vermonters who wish to get or keep their accurate state ID card to consider requesting or renewing it today.
News & Commentary
I believe the world is a more beautiful and peaceful place when we listen to each other and allow different perspectives to be in the room." Rumeysa Ozturk, Ph.D. student wrongfully detained for writing and op-ed

Writing an op-ed is not grounds for deportation

The U.S. government’s escalating attacks on noncitizens’ right to free speech should scare us all.
Resource
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Know Your Rights: Immigration Resources

Court Case
May 08, 2018

ACLU-ME, ACLU-NH, & ACLU-VT v. DHS

Court Case
Jan 22, 2020

Migrant Justice v. Wolf

Human rights organization Migrant Justice and the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles reached a settlement in a federal anti-discrimination lawsuit.
Court Case
Nov 22, 2022

Migrant Justice v. US Department of Homeland Security

A case involving Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests submitted by Migrant Justice.
Court Case
Nov 16, 2016

A.R. v. Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles