LULAC HAILS FEDERAL COURT VICTORY PRESERVING
BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP IN THE UNITED STATES

Nation's Oldest and Largest Latino Civil Rights Organization Celebrates Ruling Defending Constitutional Rights for Future Generations

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) today celebrates a landmark decision by U.S. District Judge Joseph Laplante of New Hampshire, who issued a ruling blocking the Trump administration's executive order seeking to strip automatic birthright citizenship from children born in the United States to undocumented parents. This decision marks a crucial victory for members of LULAC, the first organization to file a lawsuit challenging the administration's attempt to undermine one of the most fundamental rights enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.

"This ruling is a powerful affirmation that the rights granted under the 14th Amendment are not up for debate or political manipulation," said Roman Palomares, LULAC National President and Chairman of the Board. "From the very beginning, LULAC has been the voice standing between injustice and the rights of those born on American soil. We will never allow the constitutional promise of citizenship to be erased or rewritten."

Judge Laplante's decision grants nationwide class-action relief, ensuring that the executive order cannot be enforced against any U.S.-born children whose parents lack legal status.

"This is not just a legal battle—it is a moral one," added Palomares. "The greatness of America lies in its adherence to the principles of equality and justice. Birthright citizenship is a cornerstone of those values, and LULAC will continue to fight to uphold them in every court, every state, and every community."

LULAC, alongside legal advocacy organizations including Democracy Defenders Fund, the ACLU, and Make the Road New York, filed the first lawsuit defending birthright citizenship immediately following the issuance of an executive order attacking it on January 20, 2025, and successfully obtained a nationwide preliminary injunction barring enforcement of that executive order. The case challenged the administration's claim that children born on U.S. soil could be denied citizenship if neither parent was a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident. On June 27, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down nationwide injunctions, but explicitly permitted class action lawsuits to obtain nationwide relief. Today's ruling, the first class-wide injunction barring the enforcement of President Trump’s controversial executive order, ensures that this attempt to rewrite constitutional law is halted.

"We applaud today's decision as a triumph for the rule of law and the dignity of immigrant families across America," said Juan Proaño, LULAC Chief Executive Officer. "At its heart, this is about protecting children—innocent children—who deserve the same rights, protections, and opportunities as any other child born on American soil. LULAC will remain relentless in safeguarding these principles."

The Trump administration is expected to appeal the decision. Still, LULAC remains firmly committed to defending birthright citizenship and the constitutional rights of all people in the United States.

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About LULAC
The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation's oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization. Founded in 1929, LULAC is committed to advancing the rights and opportunities of Latino Americans through advocacy, community building, and education. With a growing network of councils nationwide, LULAC remains steadfast in its mission to protect and empower millions of Latinos, contributing daily to America's prosperity. For more information about LULAC and its initiatives, please visit www.LULAC.org.