WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s statement indicating future action to end “birthright citizenship.”
“Aside from being unconstitutional, such an executive order would exacerbate racial tensions, exploit fears and drive further polarization across the country at a moment that calls for the promotion of unity and inclusion,” said Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. “It is hard to imagine an executive order that would be more ill-timed or misguided given recent events across the country that have led to an increase in hate crimes and marginalization of minority communities based on race, national origin and religion. The letter and spirit of the Fourteenth Amendment places those born in this country on equal footing and an executive order that strips away citizenship would create a permanent group of second-class citizens and invite litigation.”
Clarke continued, “From a proposed border wall, intensifying ICE raids, separation of families at the border and more, this administration has repeatedly promoted policies that demonize and marginalize immigrant communities, with a particular focus on the race, national origin, and religion of those targeted.”
About the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, was formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy to involve the private bar in providing legal services to address racial discrimination. Now in its 55th year, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is continuing its quest to “Move America Toward Justice.” The principal mission of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is to secure, through the rule of law, equal justice for all, particularly in the areas of criminal justice, fair housing and community development, economic justice, educational opportunities, and voting rights.
Contact
Derrick Robinson, Lawyers’ Committee, DRobinson@LawyersCommittee.org, 202-662-8317
