LULAC Celebrates as Texas Acknowledges Rights Under Birthright Citizenship

July 25, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A year ago, the Texas Department of Health and Human Services attempted to deny birth certificates to children of undocumented immigrants born in the U.S. as a deterrent for future undocumented immigration. In response, LULAC filed an amicus brief in the lawsuit and condemned the act as part of an anti-immigrant effort focused on denying U.S. citizenship to children of undocumented immigrants born in the United States.

Today, the State of Texas settled the lawsuit in favor of Texas’s immigrant families and will once again issue birth certificates to all U.S.-born children. In response, LULAC National President Roger C Rocha, Jr. issued the following statement:

“A year ago, we condemned the actions of the Texas Department of Health and Human Services as a cynical attempt by the state to deny an individual his/her rights guaranteed under the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Today’s settlement is a turning point for immigrant families in Texas. Facing pressure by the civil rights community through the pending lawsuit, the state of Texas has finally agreed to comply with the U.S. Constitution by providing birth certificates to the children of undocumented immigrants born in the U.S. This action clears the way for these children to have access to education, health and other child related services. In addition, immigrant families no longer have to worry that their U.S.-born children will be subject to deportation. LULAC will continue its work to protect the dignity of all individuals residing in our country–regardless of legal status.”

Luis Vera, LULAC General Counsel
“The Republican Governor of Texas and the Attorney General continue their assault on the Latino community in Texas. It is estimated that in the period from 2010 to today the Republican Governor has spent approximately $30 million in taxpayer funds on his personal agenda attacking Latinos and other minorities in the area of voter redistricting, voter registration, voter identification and now, attempting to deny Latino children their birthright of citizenship. The courts continue to protect the rights of our community, and now we must do our part and vote.”