WASHINGTON — The NAACP welcomes the United States Supreme Court’s decision affirming the constitutional guarantee of birthright citizenship under the Fourteenth Amendment. 
 

In upholding more than a century of legal precedent, the Court reaffirmed a foundational principle of American democracy: that all persons born on U.S. soil are citizens, regardless of their parentage. 
 

“Trump’s attempted assault on the 14th Amendment was dealt a major blow today. This decision is a powerful affirmation of the Constitution and the enduring promise of equality it represents,” said Derrick Johnson, President & CEO of the NAACP. “For over 150 years, the Fourteenth Amendment has guaranteed citizenship to everyone born in this country. Today, the Court rightly rejected efforts to undermine that core protection and instead upheld a principle that is essential to our democracy.” 
 

The NAACP emphasized that the principle of birthright citizenship was enshrined in the aftermath of the Civil War to ensure that formerly enslaved people and their descendants would be recognized as full citizens. The Court’s decision preserves that legacy and reinforces the Constitution’s commitment to equal protection under the law. 
 

While celebrating the decision, the NAACP will monitor ongoing efforts to challenge civil and human rights. The Association will remain vigilant and committed to defending the progress we have made and advancing justice for all. 
 

The NAACP reaffirmed its commitment to protecting civil rights and ensuring that the Constitution’s promises are fully realized for every community across the nation.