Issues

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. CBP and the Border Patrol have expanded rapidly for almost 20 years—ever since CBP was moved into the then-newly formed U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) after September 11.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

The ACLU works to expand the right to privacy, increase the control individuals have over their personal information, and ensure civil liberties are enhanced rather than compromised by technological innovation.

The ACLU fights discriminatory practices, challenging racial profiling, fighting for affirmative action policies, and advocating for the rights of exploited immigrant workers, among many more other initiatives.

The ACLU strives to safeguard the First Amendment's guarantee of religious liberty by ensuring that laws and governmental practices neither promote religion nor interfere with its free exercise.