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 Responds to SCOTUS Ruling on Birthright Citizenship

The ruling is a victory for immigrant communities that honors our nation’s promise: if you are born in the United States, then you are an American citizen.
Issue Areas: Immigrants' Rights
Press Release
Press Release ACLU of New Jersey

ACLU-NJ, Partners Respond to US v. Newark Ruling in Support of Community Trust Policies

U.S. District Court Judge Evelyn Padin dismissed the federal government’s lawsuit against four New Jersey cities over their policies that limit voluntary collaboration between municipal agencies and federal civil immigration enforcement.
Issue Areas: Immigrants' Rights
News & Commentary
WorldCupTrophy

Know Your Rights: 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup

If you plan on attending a World Cup game at MetLife Stadium this summer, make sure to know your rights before you go. 
News & Commentary
A photo of Mahmoud Khalil.

Recent Court Documents Allege Misconduct in Mahmoud Khalil’s Immigration Case

New evidence reveals the Trump administration worked to seal Mahmoud Khalil’s fate before he ever got his day in court.
Court Case
May 19, 2026

United States v. New Jersey

Amicus brief in support of the power of the State of New Jersey to implement Executive Order that limits federal civil immigration enforcement access to and use of state-owned property.
Court Case
April 6, 2026

United States v. McIver

Amicus brief arguing that the Indictment against Congresswoman LaMonica McIver stemming from her oversight visit to an immigration detention center in Newark should be dismissed and the decision below reversed because she is entitled to legislative immunity and the charges represent improper political retribution.
Court Case
March 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
November 5, 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.