The American Promise: Defending Birthright Citizenship

JUNE 30TH UPDATE: The Supreme Court has ruled on Trump v. Barbara – birthright citizenship is here to stay!

The Supreme Court strikes down Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship as unconstitutional. The decision in Trump v. Barbara affirms a fundamental American promise: if you are born in the United States, you are an American citizen. Your parents’ immigration status does not affect your citizenship. This is a major victory for parents, families, and all Americans. The decision can be viewed here.

For more than 150 years, the 14th Amendment has provided a simple rule: if you are born in the United States, you are a citizen. Birthright citizenship means that everyone born here is a full and equal American, regardless of their race, religion, or family circumstances. For generations, this principle has enabled families to put down roots, pursue their dreams, and build a stronger America.

Today, President Trump is threatening birthright citizenship and is attempting to rewrite who belongs here with a stroke of a pen. With his executive order, the president wants to subvert the Constitution, Supreme Court precedent, and Congressional law.

If the Supreme Court allows its implementation, Trump’s executive order would wreak havoc on the daily lives of all Americans - from the hospital to the voting booth. In a future where political whims decide who is denied or granted citizenship, we would see increased bureaucratic hurdles, widespread profiling and discrimination and that more of our neighbors have fewer opportunities.

Birthright citizenship is an essential American promise. Now is the time for all of us - workers, immigrants, diverse faith communities, veterans, and parents - to come together and defend this fundamental right.

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• Birthright Citizenship Remains the Law: Post-Decision Explainer
• Defending Birthright Citizenship - Toolkit 
• Defending Birthright Citizenship -  Talking Points
• Defending Birthright Citizenship - Factsheet
• ALC: Know Your Rights - Birthright Citizenship (English, 中文, Español, 한국어)
• Defending Birthright Citizenship - Digital Rally (recording)
• ALC: Wong Kim Ark’s Legacy Lives on With Us
• ALC Know Your Rights Guide for Immigrant Communities
• NILC: Know Your Rights Resource Page
• Native American Rights Fund: Native Americans and Immigration Enforcement - Know Your Rights
• American Immigration Council: Birthright Citizenship in the United States
• AAPI New Jersey: Teaching the 14th Amendment and Birthright Citizenship
• Latina Institute: Share your Story