IMMIGRANT RIGHTS

Key Terms

Knowledge is power. Educate yourself and you’ll be ready to talk with others and find ways to plug in that feel right for you!

Intersectionality

People can face multiple types of discrimination at the same time—like racism, sexism, and xenophobia. Intersectionality helps us understand how these different factors overlap and impact immigrants’ lives.

Immigrant Rights

These are the basic legal and human rights that protect immigrants, no matter their legal status. This includes the right to fair treatment, safety, and access to essential services.

Citizenship

Citizenship means being legally recognized as a member of a country, with rights like voting, working, and getting public benefits. People get citizenship by birth, family ties, or through a legal process called naturalization.

Asylum

Asylum is protection for people who flee their home countries because of danger, like war or persecution. If granted asylum, they can stay and live safely in another country.

Refugee

A refugee is someone forced to leave their country due to war, violence, or threats. They get legal protection under international law.

Undocumented Immigrant

A person living in a country without legal permission. This can happen if they overstay a visa, are denied asylum, or enter without paperwork. Undocumented immigrants often struggle to get jobs, healthcare, or legal help.

DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)

DACA protects undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children. It allows them to work and stay temporarily but does not give them full legal status.

Deportation

Deportation is when the government forces someone to leave the country because they don’t have legal status or have broken immigration laws.

Xenophobia

Xenophobia is fear or hatred of immigrants and outsiders. It often leads to discrimination and unfair policies.

Family Separation

This happens when immigration policies cause children to be taken from their parents, often during deportation or detention. It can have serious emotional and mental health effects.

Border Militarization

This refers to the use of soldiers, weapons, and high-tech surveillance to control national borders. It can make migration more dangerous.

Immigration Detention

When immigrants are held in government facilities while waiting for their cases to be decided. Many detention centers have poor conditions and long wait times.

Migrant Labor Rights

These are the rights that protect immigrants who work in jobs like farming, construction, and domestic work. Many migrant workers face unsafe conditions and unfair pay.

Pathway to Citizenship

This is the legal process for immigrants to become citizens. It often includes getting a visa, permanent residency (a green card), and then applying for citizenship.

Sanctuary Policies

Some cities and states limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities to protect undocumented immigrants from deportation. These are called "sanctuary" policies.

Bodily Autonomy & Immigration

People have the right to control their own bodies and movements. This includes the right to seek asylum, avoid detention, and live free from exploitation.

Learn

Immigrants’ Rights and Border Policy | Country Page | World | Human Rights Watch: Human Rights Watch (HRW) is an international non-governmental organization (NGO) that conducts research and advocacy on human rights issues worldwide. It is known for investigating human rights abuses, publishing detailed reports, and pressuring governments, corporations, and international organizations to enforce human rights protections.

TAKE ACTION

There’s power in unity—every effort matters! Whether you have a little time or a lot, your support makes a difference. Finding it difficult to keep track of what’s happening? Find watchdog information regarding upcoming legislation.

Volunteer or donate to immigrant rights organizations

  • Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC): A national nonprofit organization dedicated to working with and educating immigrants, community organizations, and the legal sector to build a democratic society that values the rights of all people.

    Website: ilrc.org

    Donate: ilrc.org/donate-now

  • ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties: Focuses on defending civil liberties, including immigrant rights, by challenging policies that infringe upon individual freedoms and advocating for policy reforms.

    Website: aclusandiego.org

    Donate: aclusandiego.org/donate

    Volunteer: aclusandiego.org/volunteer

  • Border Angels: A San Diego-based nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for human rights, humane immigration reform, and social justice, with a focus on the U.S.-Mexico border.

    Website: borderangels.org

    Donate: borderangels.org/donate

    Volunteer: borderangels.org/volunteer

  • San Diego Rapid Response Network: A coalition of human rights and service organizations, attorneys, and community leaders dedicated to aiding immigrants and their families, particularly in response to increased immigration enforcement and anticipated mass deportations.

    Website: rapidresponsesd.org