Immigrants' Rights

Regardless of a person’s country of origin, everyone in the United States has constitutional rights. Yet xenophobia and structural inequities mean the rights of immigrants are disproportionately violated.

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Regardless of a person’s country of origin, everyone in the United States has constitutional rights. Yet xenophobia and structural inequities mean the rights of immigrants are disproportionately violated.

Expanding the rights of immigrants is a top strategic priority of the ACLU-NJ, and we advocate on all fronts: litigation, legislation, public outreach, and organizing.

We have driven powerful advocacy to fight immigration detention, to make driver’s licenses accessible for all New Jerseyans, and to end state and local law enforcement’s participation in federal detentions and deportation actions, among other work.

The Latest

Press Release
Press Release ACLU of New Jersey

ACLU-NJ Celebrates Immigrant Protection Bills Signed Into Law

Gov. Sherrill today signed S3522/A4070 and S3521/A4071 into law, ensuring long‑overdue protections for immigrant communities in New Jersey.
Issue Areas: Immigrants' Rights
Press Release
Press Release ACLU of New Jersey

ACLU-NJ Responds to New Jersey Legislature’s Advancement of Critical Social Justice Legislation

We look forward to working with lawmakers to continue advancing legislation that better protects the constitutional rights of all New Jerseyans.
Press Release
Press Release ACLU of New Jersey

ACLU-NJ Responds to Lawsuit Seeking to Stop the Opening of Roxbury Immigration Detention Center

The planned immigration detention center in Roxbury, NJ is yet another example of the Trump administration's cruel mass detention and deportation agenda.
News & Commentary
ACLUNJ_MarijuanaRevitilization_23

A Budget Must Reflect Our Values and Support New Jersey Communities

New Jerseyans have been clear that they want lawmakers to invest in the equity, safety, and well-being of our communities in order to build a stronger New Jersey.
Court Case
Mar 25, 2025

Mahmoud Khalil v. Donald J. Trump

Whether a legal permanent resident of the United States can be arrested and detained on the basis of their political speech and advocacy.
Court Case
Nov 05, 2025

State v. Garcia-Moronta & State v. Reyes-Rodriguez

Amicus briefs arguing that the delay in trying a defendant caused by their detention by ICE or deportation should count against the State in a speedy trial analysis when the State has failed to take reasonable steps to effectuate the defendant’s appearance for their criminal proceedings.
Court Case
Oct 28, 2025

U.S. v. Newark

Amicus brief in support of the power of the cities of Newark, Hoboken, Jersey City, and Paterson to implement community trust policies that limit voluntary collaboration between municipal agencies and federal immigration enforcement.
Court Case
Apr 22, 2025

Student Doe #1, et al v. Noem, et al

Complaint filed on behalf of Rutgers students who had their F-1 student immigration status effectively terminated.