Dear John,

Welcome to this week’s update on major developments in immigration and civil rights. We have significant news from the Supreme Court and beyond – ranging from birthright citizenship to voting rights – all with deep implications for our community. Below we break down the key stories, what they mean, and how LULAC is taking action each and everyday to protect the civil rights of our Latino community.

Sincerely,

Roman Palomares, LULAC National President and Chairman

In this issue

• Supreme Court Poised to Uphold Birthright Citizenship, Questions Nationwide Injunctions
• Supreme Court Blocks Wartime Law Deportations of Venezuelan Migrants
• LULAC & League of Women Voters Fight Florida’s Ballot Initiative Crackdown
• LULAC Launches New Legal Defense Fund to Strengthen Civil Rights Advocacy
• LULAC Raises Alarm on Voting Rights in Senate Hearing (SAVE Act)

Supreme Court Poised to Uphold Birthright Citizenship, Questions Nationwide Injunctions

The U.S. Supreme Court heard historic oral arguments this week on President Trump’s executive order seeking to limit birthright citizenship, a right enshrined in the 14th Amendment. The Court appeared inclined to block Trump’s order from taking effect, with a majority of justices voicing concern about denying citizenship to U.S.-born children of undocumented immigrants. Even conservative justices signaled skepticism. “For all the newborns? Is that how it’s going to work?” pressed Justice Brett Kavanaugh, questioning how the policy could even be implemented. Justice Sonia Sotomayor was more blunt when she noted that the President’s order flies in the face of at least four Supreme Court precedents and reminded the courtroom that “even if your parents are here illegally, if you’re born here, you’re a citizen”. Such statements during the hearing suggest bipartisan doubt about the legality of undermining birthright citizenship. Importantly, the justices also debated the scope of nationwide injunctions – the lower-court orders that have been used to block many of Trump’s policies nationally. While the Court may rein in those broad injunctions in the future, it seemed unwilling to allow this executive order to proceed in the meantime. For LULAC and our allies, this was an encouraging sign that the highest court will uphold the Constitution’s promise that anyone born on American soil is an American citizen.

Supreme Court Blocks Wartime Law Deportations of Venezuelan Migrants

In a separate emergency decision, the Supreme Court delivered a major victory for due process. The Court on Friday blocked the Trump administration from deporting a group of Venezuelan migrants under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, an archaic wartime law. The administration had attempted to use this law to fast-track removals – avoiding the normal asylum and immigration court process. A 7–2 majority sided with the migrants, effectively halting the plan. The justices’ message was clear: even in matters of national security or emergency power, the government cannot strip away constitutional protections. “Deporting people in silence without due process or oversight” is unacceptable in America, said LULAC National President Roman Palomares, applauding the ruling. He and LULAC strongly object to any unconstitutional immigration enforcement that attempts to deport individuals without their day in court. This Supreme Court intervention is a significant setback for the administration’s hardline tactics. It affirms that fundamental rights – like the right to a hearing – still apply, and it validates what LULAC has argued all along: our laws must not permit mass deportations without due process.

LULAC & League of Women Voters Fight Florida’s Ballot Initiative Crackdown

This week LULAC joined forces with the League of Women Voters of Florida (LWVFL) to challenge a new Florida law that severely restricts citizen ballot initiatives. On May 14, LULAC and LWVFL filed a legal motion in federal court to intervene against Florida House Bill 1205, a law that erects major barriers to the state’s citizen-led constitutional amendment process. The organizations argue that HB 1205 is unconstitutional, violating Floridians’ First Amendment rights (free speech and assembly) as well as due process and equal protection. What does the law do? It guts direct democracy: making it harder to collect petition signatures, imposing onerous paperwork and fees, and even threatening volunteer petition circulators with criminal penalties. “We need to call this law what it is: a direct attack on Floridians who simply want a say in the political process,” said Cecile Scoon, LWVFL co-president. LULAC’s own leadership made clear what’s at stake. “Legislators are trying to silence the voices of Floridians, including those who have been historically excluded… By erecting barriers to signature gathering and threatening organizers with criminal penalties, HB 1205 undermines the right to speech and violates one of the last remaining tools communities have to hold the powerful accountable. We cannot let this stand,” declared LULAC National President Roman Palomares. The lawsuit backed by LULAC seeks to protect the citizen initiative process – a crucial avenue for minority communities to enact policies when politicians ignore them. This joint action sends a strong message: voters will not be silenced in Florida without a fight.

LULAC Launches New Legal Defense Fund to Strengthen Civil Rights Advocacy

In a major step for our organization, LULAC this week announced the launch of the LULAC Legal Defense Fund – a dedicated fund to support litigation and legal initiatives defending Latino civil rights. This marks “a new chapter in Latino civil rights,” expanding LULAC’s nearly century-long fight for justice. The Legal Defense Fund will empower LULAC to take on urgent court battles over immigration, voting rights, education, and more. What will the LDF do? It will fund lawsuits and legal teams to challenge unjust policies, provide support for community-driven cases, and sponsor a Legal Fellows program to train new civil rights attorneys. Already, LULAC’s legal efforts have notched important wins: LULAC was the first to challenge the executive order attacking birthright citizenship and won multiple court injunctions to safeguard the 14th Amendment. LULAC also helped halt the unlawful deportation order targeting refugees – ensuring due process and human dignity were upheld. These victories underscore why a LULAC Legal Defense Fund is needed now. Our civil rights are under attack, but with your support, LULAC’s LDF will fight back in courtrooms nationwide. This launch is a powerful commitment that LULAC is doubling down on legal advocacy to protect our community.

LULAC Raises Alarm on Voting Rights in Senate Hearing (SAVE Act)

On Capitol Hill, LULAC took a stand in a congressional forum on election interference and voting rights. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) convened a Senate Rules Committee “spotlight” hearing this week focused on the dangers of recent partisan attacks on voting – including the so-called Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act and a new Trump executive order on elections. LULAC’s CEO Juan Proaño was invited as a witness, joining state election officials and advocates to testify about the harmful impacts of these measures. Proaño did not mince words: “I appear today to voice our unequivocal opposition to the so-called SAVE Act. This anti-voter bill would make it significantly harder for millions of Americans – especially Latinos, immigrants, Black Americans, and women – to exercise their right to vote”. He explained that the SAVE Act would force every voter to produce proof of citizenship (like a passport or birth certificate) every time they register, disproportionately burdening communities of color and disenfranchising countless eligible voters. LULAC also submitted a supplemental statement for the Senate record detailing how the bill echoes ugly chapters of voter suppression and “solves” a non-existent problem (since non-citizen voting is already illegal and exceedingly rare). Senator Padilla and fellow senators praised LULAC’s advocacy, noting that efforts like the SAVE Act are “a solution in search of a problem” aimed at undermining an inclusive democracy. Watch the hearing here to see LULAC’s testimony and the robust defense of voting rights. LULAC will continue to work with policymakers to stop the SAVE Act and any attempt to roll back the voting rights of our communities.

Support LULAC’s Legal Defense Fund

Each of these stories shows the importance of vigilance and advocacy. Whether it’s fighting in the courts or speaking out in Congress, LULAC is on the front lines defending the rights of Latino communities and all Americans. We can’t do it alone – your support is crucial. This week, we launched the LULAC Legal Defense Fund to bolster these efforts. Join us in this fight! Consider making a donation to the LULAC Legal Defense Fund to help sustain our legal battles for justice. Every contribution empowers LULAC to challenge unconstitutional actions and protect civil rights where they’re under threat. Together, we can ensure that our Constitution and core values are upheld for everyone.

👉 Click here to donate to the LULAC Legal Defense Fund today. Every bit helps us continue the critical work of protecting our community’s rights and future.

Upcoming Events: Join Us!

LULAC has many exciting events on the horizon. Here are a few key dates you won’t want to miss:

2025 LULAC National Convention & Exposition – August 6–9, 2025, in Long Beach, CA (LULAC Events). This is the big one – our annual national conference, with thousands of attendees expected. The theme is “Empowering the Next Generation.” Come experience four days of policy discussions, leadership training, community service, and celebration of Latino culture. (Plus, a fabulous expo hall showcasing organizations that serve our community.) Save the date – more information to come, but start planning your trip now!

For a full list of upcoming events and how to register, visit the LULAC Events page. We hope to see you at one of these gatherings – everyone is invited to participate and strengthen the LULAC movement!

Stay Engaged

Join LULAC or Renew Your Membership: Our strength is our members! If you’re not yet a LULAC member or need to renew, join us today to support this important work.

Support Our Mission: Consider making a donation to LULAC to fuel our civil rights campaigns, youth programs, and more. Every dollar helps empower Latinos across the country.

Spread the Word: Forward this newsletter to friends and family who care about our community’s future. Encourage them to follow LULAC on social media for daily updates.

Thank you for reading this week’s newsletter and for being an engaged member of nuestra comunidad. Together, we are facing challenges with courage and creating opportunities for Latinos across the country.

Adelante!

LULAC National