Bruce Springsteen and ACLU Collaborate on Birthright Citizenship Campaign

Bruce Springsteen has partnered with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to raise awareness about the Supreme Court case Trump v. Barbara, which addresses the contentious issue of birthright citizenship. The case is rooted in a January 2025 executive order from former President Donald Trump, aiming to amend the 14th Amendment to prevent automatic citizenship for individuals born in the United States. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments on April 1, 2026.

BillboardBruce Springsteen teams up with the ACLU for Born in the U.S.A. citizenship videoBruce Springsteen’s ‘Born in the U.S.A.’ highlights ACLU birthright citizenship ad – KSHE 95

The ACLU has been actively involved in legal challenges against Trump's executive order, asserting that the Constitution, not the president, determines citizenship. The organization released a 30-second video featuring Springsteen's iconic song "Born in the U.S.A." The video showcases diverse American families who could be affected by the Supreme Court's ruling, emphasizing the importance of birthright citizenship in maintaining the nation's democratic principles.

BillboardBruce Springsteen teams up with the ACLU for Born in the U.S.A. citizenship videoBruce Springsteen’s ‘Born in the U.S.A.’ highlights ACLU birthright citizenship ad – KSHE 95

Anthony D. Romero, the ACLU's executive director, highlighted the significance of the collaboration, stating that Springsteen's song encapsulates the stakes of the case and the integral role of birthright citizenship in American identity. Romero noted that the song serves as a reminder of the values that define the nation and the need to uphold them.

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The 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868, was a pivotal response to the legacy of slavery, granting citizenship to all individuals born in the U.S. Romero described birthright citizenship as "sacred ground" for civil rights advocates, emphasizing its role in ensuring equality in a nation of immigrants. The potential repeal of this amendment could leave an estimated five million children without citizenship over the next two decades, creating a permanent subclass of U.S.-born individuals denied their rights.

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The ACLU has criticized Trump's attempts to redefine citizenship as part of a broader agenda targeting immigrants. The organization argues that the executive order represents a significant threat to the foundational principles of American democracy. Romero expressed his concerns about the implications of such actions, stating, "This was among his first acts as president, and what it represented was breathtaking."

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• “Birthright citizenship is a sacred ground for those of us in the civil rights community.” — Anthony D. Romero, Executive Director, ACLU

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• “We’re reminding President Trump what it means to be born in the U.S.A.,” — ACLU Campaign Description

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• “ On the ACLU‘s website, the organization wrote: “The Constitution, not the president, decides who is a citizen.” — ACLU Statement

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As the Supreme Court prepares to hear the case, the ACLU and Springsteen's campaign aim to mobilize public support for birthright citizenship. The outcome of Trump v. Barbara could have lasting effects on American citizenship laws and the rights of future generations. The ACLU's efforts, bolstered by Springsteen's cultural influence, seek to reaffirm the values enshrined in the Constitution and protect the rights of all individuals born in the United States.

Bruce Springsteen teams up with the ACLU for Born in the U.S.A. citizenship videoBillboardBruce Springsteen’s ‘Born in the U.S.A.’ highlights ACLU birthright citizenship ad – KSHE 95