Public libraries are trusted sources for accurate and well-researched information. Libraries have a long history of providing free resources and education to immigrants and refugees. Arlington Public Library is committed to educating the community about individual rights and providing relevant resources when you need them most.

Immigrants have rights. Regardless of your immigration status, you have guaranteed rights under the Constitution. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has information about your rights as an immigrant, and how to express them. United We Dream provides information about what to do if you have an encounter with an immigration officer.

Arlington County has a commitment to strengthening trust with the immigrant community. Additional resources for immigrants can be found on the County’s website.

There are many resources to learn about your rights, as well as information about the official path to citizenship.

• Arlington Human Rights Commission and Complaint Forms
• Immigration Resources for Families (APS)
• National Immigration Law Center
• American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
• Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC)
• Family Preparedness Plan
• United We Dream
• United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
• DACA – Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

The library has compiled additional free legal and social services resources for immigrants that can be found on the library’s website as well as eCollections for Immigrants, Refugees, and New Citizens.

In addition, Arlington Public Library is committed to protecting the privacy of all information about patron requests for service, materials, loan transactions, online sites and resources accessed.

Confidentiality of customer records is protected under state law: Virginia Code § 2.2-3705.7. The Library will comply with all proper judicial process (government order to produce documents or information) authenticated by the County Attorney, while preserving customer confidentiality to the extent allowed by law. Additional details about the library’s privacy policy are on our website.

The American Library Association details the relationship between libraries and immigration enforcement.

Please stay tuned for updates.