The ACLU works daily in the courts, legislatures and communities to defend and preserve the rights and freedoms our founders guaranteed in the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and the laws of the United States.

Border

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is the largest federal law enforcement agency in the United States, with over 60,000 personnel, including approximately 20,000 U.S. Border Patrol agents.

Education Equity

Education is the key to strengthening our communities, our economy, and our democracy. Every student should get to attend a school that provides a high quality education free from discrimination.

Free Speech

The Constitution's framers believed that freedom of inquiry and free expression were the hallmarks of a democratic society. Historically—during times of national stress, real or imagined—First Amendment rights come under enormous pressure. The best way to counter noxious speech is with more speech.

Immigrants' Rights

The Bill of Rights does not grant foreigners the right to enter the United States, but once here, immigrants are entitled to certain, broad protections. These include the right to be treated fairly in court, to free speech and religious freedom, and to be protected from discrimination.

LGBTQ Rights

The ACLU works to ensure that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people can live openly without discrimination, and enjoy equal rights, personal autonomy, and freedom of expression and association.

Police Practices

Police have the vital and difficult job of protecting public safety, but performing their job effectively does not require sacrificing civil liberties. Police agencies must respect the rights of individuals while enforcing the law.