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

NJ Superior Court Denies State’s Attempt to Dismiss Farmworker Complaint Seeking to End Wage and Overtime Discrimination

This decision is an important step forward for worker protections and immigrants’ rights in New Jersey.
News & Commentary
Trenton Rally

The People’s Agenda is New Jersey’s Agenda

New Jersey communities are willing – and ready – to keep fighting for their rights.
Press Release
Press Release ACLU of New Jersey

ACLU-NJ Statement on the Inauguration of Governor Mikie Sherrill

The organization has released policy recommendations urging the Sherrill administration to protect and expand civil rights.
Press Release
Press Release ACLU of New Jersey

ACLU-NJ Statement on Gov. Murphy’s Pocket Vetoes of Meaningful Protections for New Jersey’s Immigrant Communities

In failing to sign these bills, Governor Murphy has left New Jersey without critical protections at a moment when ICE is brutalizing our communities.
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.
Court Case
Aug 08, 2024

El Comité de Apoyo a los Trabajadores Agrícolas (CATA) v Platkin

Affirmative litigation challenging the constitutionality of excluding New Jersey farmworkers from equal wage and overtime pay.