CARECEN-LA Welcomes Supreme Court Decision Upholding Birthright Citizenship

Los Angeles, CA- The Central American Resource Center (CARECEN) of Los Angeles welcomes today's U.S. Supreme Court decision reaffirming the constitutional guarantee of birthright citizenship under the Fourteenth Amendment, rejecting efforts to strip citizenship from children born in the United States based on their parents' immigration status.

For more than 125 years, birthright citizenship has been a cornerstone of American democracy, ensuring that every child born in the United States is recognized as an equal member of our society. Today's ruling preserves a longstanding constitutional principle and protects generations of children from discriminatory attempts to redefine who belongs in this country.

"This decision is a victory for our Constitution, for immigrant families, and for every child born in the United States," said Martha Arévalo, Executive Director of CARECEN-LA. "Birthright citizenship has never been about politics; it is about ensuring that every child is afforded equal protection under the law and the opportunity to grow up knowing they belong. No child should have their future questioned because of their parents' immigration status."

Every day, CARECEN-LA works alongside immigrant families who contribute to the economic, social, and cultural fabric of our communities. Parents who work tirelessly to provide for their children, young people pursuing their education and careers, and families building stronger neighborhoods all deserve the certainty that their children are recognized as full members of the country they call home.

The Court's decision reaffirms a constitutional principle that has endured since the ratification of the Fourteenth Amendment: citizenship belongs to those born in the United States, regardless of their parents' immigration status, with only the narrow exceptions long recognized under the law.

While CARECEN-LA celebrates this important victory, today's decision also serves as a reminder that immigrant communities continue to face unprecedented attacks on their rights, dignity, and ability to live free from fear. Protecting birthright citizenship is essential, but it is only one part of the broader work to ensure that every immigrant family can thrive with security, opportunity, and respect.

“Today's decision is an important victory, but it also reminds us that we cannot become complacent. While the Court rejected this attempt to undermine birthright citizenship, some of the opinions issued today suggest that the question could return through future acts of Congress.” Said Julie Mitchell, Legal Director at CARECEN-LA. “That should concern all of us. Constitutional rights should not depend on changing political winds or shifting majorities. The promise of equal citizenship is one of the foundations of our democracy, and we must continue to defend it, not only in the courts, but in our communities, in our civic engagement, and through our collective advocacy.”

“Today's decision is a victory worth celebrating, but it also reminds us that we cannot become complacent.” Arevalo Added. “While the Court rejected this unlawful attempt to deny birthright citizenship, recent decisions affecting TPS holders have left thousands of families facing renewed uncertainty. Together, these rulings send a sobering message: hard-fought rights and protections cannot be taken for granted. Immigrant families are an essential part of this nation's past, present, and future, and we will continue standing with our communities to defend constitutional rights, keep families together, and advance policies that reflect our shared values of justice, dignity, and inclusion.”

CARECEN-LA remains committed to advocating for immigrant communities and ensuring that every family has the opportunity to build a future free from fear and discrimination.

About CARECEN-LA

The Central American Resource Center (CARECEN) of Los Angeles empowers Central American, Latino, and other immigrant communities by defending human rights, advancing social and economic justice, and promoting the full participation of immigrants in U.S. society.

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