Immigrants' Rights

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, but apply to every person, regardless of immigration status.

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The fundamental constitutional protections of due process and equal protection embodied in our Constitution and Bill of Rights are not limited to citizens, but apply to every person, regardless of immigration status. A hallmark of the Trump administration has been division, and we have continually seen immigrants used as scapegoats. There has been a surge in racist, anti-immigrant legislation and rhetoric in West Virginia. This type of policymaking plays into irrational fears that has zero basis in fact.

West Virginia's immigrant population, while small, is a powerful contributer to the wellbeing of our state and our communities. The ACLU of West Virginia will continue to work to ensure that immigrants receive fair and just treatment consistent with the law, and are not unduly excluded from our country or our state.

The ACLU-WV has worked with immigrant communities by fighting back against bigoted legislation that aimed at those who were born in other countries. We've seen attacks on refugees, asylum seekers, Dreamers, and others who have come to our state. Immigrants have always been and continue to be a vital part of West Virginia culture and the economy - a fact that we will continue to promote and defend.

Resources

The following resources come from other ACLU affiliates and organizations, and do not constitute legal advice:

Know Your Rights: Border Zone (Descarga la versión imprimible en español)

Know Your Rights: What to Do If Questioned About Your Immigration Status / Que Hacer Si Le Preguntant Acerca de Su Estatus Migratorio

Know Your Rights: What To Do If Immigration Agents (ICE) Are At Your Door / Qué Hacer Si Está Involucrado En Una Redada De Casa

I am in Immigration Detention: What Are My Rights? / Estoy detenido por la inmigración: ¿Cuáles son mis derechos?

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Know Your Rights
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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: What You Can Do as a Bystander During Immigration Enforcement Actions

It’s easy to freeze when you see immigration agents detaining someone, especially if the officers are acting quickly or aggressively. This FAQ is intended to give some guidance on what actions you can take as a bystander in this situation. Consider talking about these action items with a trusted friend or family member, and practice what you can say out loud before you need to use this information. This document is not intended as legal advice.
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