The protection of the civil liberties and human rights of all people has always been at the core of American values. However since 9-11, in the name of national security, there has been a steady and alarming erosion of the human rights and civil liberties of many people living in the U.S. In response, the Rights Working Group launched the Hold Department of Homeland Security Accountable! campaign for actions that routinely violate the basic rights of people living in this country, particularly immigrants.
- DHS regularly conducts warrantless and aggressive raids on homes and workplaces to round up hundreds of immigrants. Raid victims are often detained without access to counsel or the right to make a phone call to contact family members.
- Individuals detained by DHS—many of whom have no criminal record—are being held in inhumane conditions often without charges.
- DHS’ practice of targeting people because of their race or religion for extra security checks has contributed to a huge backlog in citizenship applications. Many applicants are now waiting an average of 7-9 months longer than normal which will result in the disfranchisement of hundreds of thousands of people in the November 2008 elections.
The Rights Working Group Campaign demands that the DHS:
- End immigration raids that lock up people without due process;
- Stop inhumane detention conditions and arbitrary imprisonment without trial; and
- Provide fair and efficient mechanisms to end the backlog in processing citizenship applications.
The Rights Working Group is collaborating with national organizations such as the Fair Immigration Reform Movement (FIRM) and Detention Watch Network (DWN) in coordination with our Field Coordinators to implement the campaign. We are collectively working to incorporate local campaigns seeking direct outcomes for communities impacted by DHS violations and national advocacy efforts aiming to reform bad laws and policies.
Petition to the Next President
Petición para el nuevo Presidente
I am signing this petition to ask you as the new President to address the violations of human rights and civil liberties resulting from current immigration enforcement policies pursued in the name of national security. I am committed to protecting due process and civil liberties for all people in the
The DHS policies which prioritize the appearance of enforcement over this nation’s founding principles of liberty and justice for all do not serve the national interest. The failure to set clear legal standards for DHS officials - standards that uphold the dignity and Constitutional rights of all people in the
The Night of 1,000 Conversations is the public education component for the Hold DHS Accountable! campaign. Join the campaign and register to host a conversation.