ACLU of Arkansas Statement on Birthright Citizenship Ruling

LITTLE ROCK — The following statement was issued by the American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas in response to the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling that President Trump’s executive order seeking to restrict birthright citizenship is unconstitutional.

We are relieved the U.S. Supreme Court made the right call here, and we applaud all of the brave souls who fought tirelessly for birthright citizenship. It is a principle that stems from this nation’s founding — a promise America made to every person born here that no president can break. The 14th Amendment of our Constitution, as it should, continues to define who is a citizen.

"Birthright citizenship is a fundamental American value, promise, and protection that has shaped our nation for over 250 years," Holly Dickson, Executive Director of the ACLU of Arkansas, said. "The Supreme Court held true to our values and protected a guarantee that is at the heart of making our nation great."

This is a victory for immigrants. Our country is and always has been a nation of immigrants, and is stronger for it.

While we’d have liked to have seen a 9-0 decision in one of the most important cases in recent memory, it is worth noting that Trump appointees Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett backed the majority decision authored by Chief Justice Roberts.

However, this does not excuse SCOTUS from its decisions that have weakened the rights of transgender athletes, Black people, communities of color, and immigrants. We will continue to fight for civil rights and liberties for all.