LULAC WAS THE FIRST TO FILE A LAWSUIT AGAINST TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S EFFORT TO STRIP BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP AND CELEBRATES THIRD FEDERAL COURT RULING IN ITS FAVOR

Nation's Oldest and Largest Latino Civil Rights Organization Says This Legal Battle Is to Protect Future Generations, Including Those Born of Immigrant Non-Citizen Parents

Washington, DC — The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) applauds the latest federal court decision that blocks former President Donald Trump's executive order to end automatic birthright citizenship in the United States. This marks the third federal ruling rejecting the administration's attempt to undermine a fundamental constitutional right.

"We are elated that three federal judges have unanimously agreed that birthright citizenship is not a privilege that can be revoked with the mere stroke of a pen—not even by the President of the United States," said Roman Palomares, LULAC National President and Chairman "Becoming a U.S. citizen by taking our first breath of life on American soil is a cherished and inalienable right. Our solemn duty is to defend this fundamental civil liberty, which is why LULAC is one of the major plaintiffs in this fight. We are prepared to see this battle through to its final resolution."

LULAC was the first of several organizations that came forward, including the ACLU of New Hampshire, ACLU of Maine, ACLU of Massachusetts, Asian Law Caucus, State Democracy Defenders Fund, and Legal Defense Fund, on behalf of New Hampshire Indonesian Community Support, and Make the Road New York.

"This is a victory not just for immigrant families but for the very soul of our Constitution," added Palomares. "The 14th Amendment is crystal clear—if you are born on U.S. soil, you are an American citizen. No executive order can rewrite that truth."

U.S. District Judge Joseph Laplante in Concord, New Hampshire, issued a preliminary injunction blocking the implementation of Trump's executive order. The order, signed on January 20, sought to deny citizenship to children born in the U.S. after February 19 if neither parent was a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. This ruling follows similar injunctions issued last week by federal judges in Maryland and Washington state.

"LULAC will continue to stand against any attempt to erode the rights of our communities," said Palomares. "We will fight in every courtroom and every community to ensure that the promise of America—that anyone born here belongs here—remains intact for future generations."

The U.S. Department of Justice has not yet responded to the ruling. Any appeals pursued by the Trump administration could now proceed through three different federal appeals courts, including the Boston-based 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which holds jurisdiction over New Hampshire.

###

About League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation's oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization. Founded in 1929, LULAC is committed to advancing the rights and opportunities of Latino Americans through advocacy, community building, and education. With a growing network of councils nationwide, LULAC remains steadfast in its mission to protect and empower millions of Latinos, contributing daily to America's prosperity. For more information about LULAC and its initiatives, please visit https://lulac.org/.