ACLU Challenges Trump's Birthright Citizenship Executive Order

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is mounting a significant legal challenge against President Donald Trump's executive order, issued in January 2025, which seeks to redefine birthright citizenship as guaranteed by the 14th Amendment. This order aims to strip citizenship from children born in the U.S. to parents without permanent legal status. The case, known as Trump v. Barbara, is set to be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court on April 1, 2026.

Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born in the U.S.A.’ Anchors ACLU Defense of Birthright Citizenship in Supreme Court CaseUSA TodayBillboardBruce 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 95New Ad With Bruce Springsteen Hit Takes on Trump Executive Order

Birthright citizenship has been a cornerstone of American law since the 14th Amendment was ratified in 1868, ensuring that anyone born on U.S. soil is automatically granted citizenship. The ACLU argues that Trump's executive order undermines this constitutional guarantee and threatens to create a subclass of individuals born in the U.S. who would lack citizenship rights. Anthony D. Romero, ACLU's executive director, emphasizes that this principle is vital for maintaining the integrity of American democracy.

Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born in the U.S.A.’ Anchors ACLU Defense of Birthright Citizenship in Supreme Court CaseBillboardBruce 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 95USA Today

The ACLU is spearheading the legal fight, with Anthony D. Romero at the forefront. The organization has garnered support from various civil rights advocates and has partnered with Bruce Springsteen, whose song "Born in the U.S.A." serves as a cultural backdrop for the campaign. Springsteen's involvement aims to highlight the implications of the executive order and remind Americans of the values associated with citizenship.

Bruce Springsteen teams up with the ACLU for Born in the U.S.A. citizenship video

The ACLU has publicly stated, “The Constitution, not the president, decides who is a citizen,” reinforcing their position against Trump's attempts to alter established law. Romero noted that the executive order represents a significant threat to the rights of millions of families, stating, “Ending birthright citizenship would upend the law and the lives of hundreds of thousands of families.”

Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born in the U.S.A.’ Anchors ACLU Defense of Birthright Citizenship in Supreme Court CaseBillboardBruce Springsteen teams up with the ACLU for Born in the U.S.A. citizenship videoUSA TodayBruce Springsteen’s ‘Born in the U.S.A.’ highlights ACLU birthright citizenship ad – KSHE 95

Critics of the ACLU's stance, including some members of the Trump administration, argue that the executive order is necessary for border security and to prevent what they describe as the "unlawful conferment" of citizenship. Solicitor General John Sauer has claimed that lower court rulings against the order undermine national security.

Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born in the U.S.A.’ Anchors ACLU Defense of Birthright Citizenship in Supreme Court Case

The potential repeal of birthright citizenship could affect an estimated five million children over the next two decades, creating a permanent subclass of individuals without citizenship rights. This change could have far-reaching consequences for American society, complicating the legal status of many families and altering the landscape of immigration law.

Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born in the U.S.A.’ Anchors ACLU Defense of Birthright Citizenship in Supreme Court Case

As the Supreme Court prepares to hear arguments in Trump v. Barbara, the ACLU is mobilizing public support through a campaign featuring Springsteen's music. The outcome of this case will have profound implications for the interpretation of the 14th Amendment and the future of immigration policy in the United States.

USA Today

• “As the ACLU prepares to defend this bedrock principle in the highest court of the land, we are joined by millions of Americans who agree that the 14th Amendment of the Constitution — not President Trump — decides who is a citizen.” — Anthony D. Romero, Executive Director, ACLU

Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born in the U.S.A.’ Anchors ACLU Defense of Birthright Citizenship in Supreme Court Case

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

Billboard

• “The ACLU proclaims, “Ending birthright citizenship would upend the law and the lives of hundreds of thousands of families by creating a permanent subclass of people born in the United States who are denied their rights as American citizens.” — ACLU Statement

Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born in the U.S.A.’ Anchors ACLU Defense of Birthright Citizenship in Supreme Court Case

This legal battle not only addresses the immediate concerns surrounding immigration policy but also raises fundamental questions about citizenship and identity in America.

Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born in the U.S.A.’ Anchors ACLU Defense of Birthright Citizenship in Supreme Court Case