Immigrants' Rights

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Upholding the rights of immigrants is important to us all. The fundamental constitutional protections of due process and equal protection embodied in our Constitution and Bill of Rights apply to every person and are not limited to citizens.

Immigrants are entitled to certain broad constitutional protections.

Due Process: The right to be treated fairly, whether in a deportation hearing or a criminal court proceeding, applies to every person within U.S. borders.

Equal Protection: Prohibits discrimination based on race or national origin.

Free Speech and Religious Freedom: These rights are protected under the First Amendment.

See our Know Your Rights: Immigration page for more details.

Know Your Rights: Immigration

The Latest

Press Release
Pink tinted photo of the South Carolina Statehouse

As Forced ICE Collaboration Bill advances, ACLU reports on damage to public trust and civil rights

ACLU report finds widespread abuses, racial profiling, and liability risks for local law enforcement as 287(g) program expands
Issue Areas: Immigrants' Rights
Press Release
Graphic of a monarch butterfly perched on a yellow jessamine flower

Immigrants Are Welcome Here: Interfaith Vigil Thursday 2/26 in Charleston

Issue Areas: Immigrants' Rights
Press Release
ACLU-SC Advocacy Director Courtney Thomas addresses lawmakers from behind a podium in a Statehouse subcommittee hearing.

Forced ICE Collaboration Bill unanimously rejected by public in Feb. 17 hearing

Amid two hours of public comment, no public support for House Bill 4764
Issue Areas: Immigrants' Rights
News & Commentary
"Statehouse Dispatch: Feb. 16, 2026. This week under the copper dome." Background photo of the South Carolina Statehouse dome tinted dark red and blue.

Statehouse Dispatch: Feb. 16, 2026

Forcing local cops to do ICE’s dirty work? More attacks on trans youth? Keep your eyes on the Statehouse this week
Court Case
Jan 07, 2026

SC Public Interest Foundation v. McMaster

Court Case
Apr 18, 2025

Ariwoola v. Noem

An international Ph.D. student at the University of South Carolina faces the threat of arrest and deportation as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has suddenly and unilaterally terminated his F-1 student status. We're suing to defend his due process rights.
Court Case
Mar 20, 2017

United States v. Kolsuz

Court Case
Oct 12, 2011

United States V. South Carolina