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
Matthew Ariwoola smiling while wearing a garnet suit jacket in front of a wood paneled wall

USC international student who faced deportation completes PhD in chemistry

Plaintiff in ongoing case Ariwoola v. Noem hopes to continue potentially life-saving research
Issue Areas: Immigrants' Rights, Students' Rights
Court Cases: Ariwoola v. Noem
News & Commentary
Dr. Matthew Ariwoola in a cap and gown

‘Keep pushing’: USC international student who faced deportation completes PhD in chemistry

Matthew Ariwoola came to South Carolina to do life-saving chemistry research. He isn’t letting the Trump administration stop him.
Podcast

Episode 20: Immigrants Are Welcome Here

A forced ICE collaboration bill advances in the Statehouse. Public discontent grows against the mass deportation regime’s secretive moves in Columbia. And we launch a statewide campaign with faith leaders proclaiming a simple message: Immigrants are welcome here. Joining us on today’s episode is Dulce J. López, Immigrant Rights Advocacy Strategist at the ACLU of South Carolina. Tell your state lawmakers to vote No on the forced ICE collaboration bill, H. 4764: https://aclusc.org/iceout Read the findings of the ACLU report "Deputized for Disaster" here: https://www.aclusc.org/news/5-ugly-facts-about-ice-collaboration-in-south-carolina/ Want to find more ways to advocate for immigrants’ rights? Fill out our Volunteer Interest Form and we’ll put you to work: https://aclusc.org/volunteer
News & Commentary
Collage of police wearing riot masks

5 ugly facts about ICE collaboration in South Carolina

Local police are surrendering local control, jeopardizing their budgets, and harming public trust by partnering with ICE
Legislation
Jan 13, 2026

Anti-Immigrant Driver’s License Policy (H. 4775)

Under this bill, a driver’s license issued by another state to an undocumented immigrant would be invalid in South Carolina and the driver’s license holder would be given a citation when stopped by law enforcement.
Status: Active
Position: Oppose
Legislation
Jan 13, 2026

Forced ICE Collaboration (H. 4764)

This bill would require every law enforcement agency that operates a correctional facility to enter a written collaboration agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) through its 287(g) program.
Status: Active
Position: Oppose
Legislation
Jan 13, 2026

English Requirement for Driver’s Licenses (H. 4686)

Under this bill, the S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles would not be allowed to issue or renew the driver’s license of a person who cannot show proficiency in reading and understanding English.
Status: Active
Position: Oppose
Legislation
Jan 13, 2026

Anti-Immigrant Employment Policy (H. 4615)

This bill states that if any entity hires or employs a person in the United States with an H-1B or Optional Practical Training (OPT) visa, it would not be able receive any state economic development incentives such as job or employee tax credits, general business tax credits, infrastructure tax credits, property rehabilitation and housing credits, or conservation credits.
Status: Active
Position: Oppose