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
Photo of a press conference outside a brutalist Statehouse office building. Participants are wearing stickers that have the number 4764 crossed out.

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
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