Washington, D.C., January 20, 2025 — Leaders of the Tri-Caucus—comprising the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC)—have strongly condemned President Donald Trump’s executive order to eliminate birthright citizenship. The Tri-Caucus chairs argue that the move is a direct violation of the U.S. Constitution and the 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to all individuals born on U.S. soil.
Preserving Constitutional Rights
In a joint statement issued on January 20, 2025, the Tri-Caucus chairs emphasized that birthright citizenship has been a fundamental principle of American law for over a century. They pointed to the landmark Supreme Court case Wong Kim Ark v. United States (1898), in which the Court ruled that birthright citizenship is constitutionally protected. The statement declared that President Trump’s executive order is unconstitutional and that the president has a duty to uphold the law and the Constitution, rather than undermine it.
“For over a century, birthright citizenship has been a cornerstone of our law, ensuring equality and justice for all people born on U.S. soil,” said the Tri-Caucus chairs in their statement. “President Trump’s executive order to end birthright citizenship violates the 14th Amendment and the public oath he swore to protect and defend the Constitution.”
Reaffirming Commitment to Equality
The Tri-Caucus chairs stressed that the proposed move by President Trump would set a dangerous precedent and undermine the nation’s core values of equality and justice. They voiced concern that it could disproportionately affect immigrant communities, particularly those of Hispanic, Black, and Asian American descent.
“This is not just a legal issue; it’s a moral issue,” the statement continued. “We cannot allow President Trump and Congressional Republicans to undermine the principles of equality and justice that our nation was built upon.”
Commitment to Defending Civil Rights
The Tri-Caucus chairs also reaffirmed their commitment to defending civil rights and standing up to any efforts to roll back fundamental freedoms. They vowed to oppose any attempts to erode constitutional protections for American citizens, particularly vulnerable immigrant communities.
“Congressional Democrats, alongside the leadership of the CBC, CHC, and CAPAC, are ready to stand up to any attempts that undermine the Constitution and rollback civil rights,” the statement concluded.
While the executive order has sparked strong opposition from Congressional Democrats and civil rights groups, it remains to be seen how Republican lawmakers will respond. Birthright citizenship has become a contentious issue in recent years, particularly in debates over immigration reform and border security.
The Tri-Caucus chairs’ condemnation of the executive order reflects their steadfast opposition to policies they view as harmful to American values and a direct attack on the rights of immigrant families. Legal challenges to the order are expected, with civil rights organizations and advocacy groups pledging to fight the move in court.
President Trump’s executive order to eliminate birthright citizenship has ignited a fierce legal and political battle. The Tri-Caucus chairs’ strong opposition highlights the ongoing divide in the U.S. over immigration, citizenship, and civil rights. As the nation watches, this issue is poised to shape future debates about the Constitution and the rights of all Americans, regardless of their heritage or background.
