Poor people are one of the least powerful groups in the United States and their civil liberties are therefore always in a precarious state.
The ACLU has historically defended the rights of the poor against government arbitrariness and abuse. Today, that work continues in defending poor peoples’ access to the courts, to effective counsel in criminal cases, to equal educational opportunities, and to public accommodations. We also work to undo serious flaws in the nation’s welfare laws that undermine the privacy and dignity of low-income families.
The ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties considers our case challenging a San Diego County program requiring all applicants and participants to submit to unannounced searches of their home, or forgo aid, one of the most important cases on our docket. Learn more about Sanchez v. County of San Diego.
