The Advocates for Human Rights seeks to promote and protect the human rights of asylum seekers, refugees, and immigrants. While countries may place limits on who may lawfully enter or reside within their territory, countries must guarantee everyone certain basic human rights. International human rights law requires the fair, just, and humane treatment of all persons in the United States - regardless of their immigration status.

The Advocates works for immigration policies that reflect human rights principles, providing national leadership in the area of immigration detention and serving as a leading resource for factual information on immigration issues. The Advocates for Human Rights monitors immigration-related legislation in Minnesota and the U.S. and regularly reports on U.S. compliance with human rights obligations including due process, freedom from arbitrary detention, respect for the unity of the family, protection of refugees, and protection of workers.

The Advocates for Human Rights works to combat anti-immigrant sentiment through accurate information about immigrants and immigration to the United States. The Advocates provides resources to help counter the myths about immigration and to support welcoming communities.

With the help of hundreds of trained volunteers, The Advocates for Human Rights provides free legal services to over 500 people annually. Volunteers, supported by expert staff, work with victims of human rights abuses as attorneys, mentors, medical and psychological experts, and interpreters in asylum cases. The Advocates also serves clients through legal advice clinics and through the Minnesota Detention Project.