NYCLU on SCOTUS Thwarting Trump’s Attempts to Gut Birthright Citizenship

WASHINGTON D.C. – Today the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Trump v. Barbara that the Trump administration’s attempts to limit birthright citizenship violate the Fourteenth Amendment. In response, the New York Civil Liberties Union issued the following statement from Executive Director Donna Lieberman:

“In a resounding victory for immigrant families across the country, today the Supreme Court defended the core American promise that the Constitution — not the president — decides who is born an American.

“For generations, birthright citizenship has given everyone born in the United States equal protection under the law. It has been one of the clearest expressions of our American values — underscoring our country’s commitment to equality, fairness, and the principle that America has no permanent underclasses.

“Today’s decision means everything for the communities we represent. The mother who came to the U.S. petrified for her future child’s safety; the father whose heart raced every time he thought about his baby’s future, wondering if they’d be able to pursue an education one day; the guardian who wasn’t sure if their offspring would ever be able to speak freely.

“While we can all breathe a little easier today, we know the Trump administration will keep trying to redefine citizenship and strip away everyone’s civil rights. The NYCLU will keep doing all we can to protect our communities and fight Trump’s racist, cruel agenda.”

###