WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following the ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) to limit the use of a nationwide injunction to block Donald Trump’s attempt to end birthright citizenship, Democracy Defenders Fund issued the following statements.

“The Supreme Court has reached a tortured, middle-ground decision today, but it is critical to recognize that the Court has left in place the underlying injunctions as to the plaintiffs and has provided a road-map for lawsuits to seek broader relief from blatantly unconstitutional executive orders using other vehicles,” said Tianna Mays, Legal Director for Democracy Defenders Fund. “While we are disappointed in today’s decision, we are not at all deterred in our efforts to protect the critical right of birthright citizenship, which for over a century has been a principle of U.S. law. We are hopeful the court will soon take the issue up and make clear in their decision that no politician – even a president – has the ability to take away a constitutional right.”

From Norm Eisen, Executive Chair of Democracy Defenders Fund:

“Much like the deluge of executive orders coming out of the Trump administration, the Roberts Court ruling today in the birthright case has already led to widespread confusion. While we strongly disagree with the decision, it is not a full endorsement of Trump’s lawless effort to end birthright citizenship.  

“The Court left key protections in place for the plaintiffs and preserved legal paths for broader relief. We will continue working with our partners across the country to protect birthright citizenship and all the constitutional rights that define who we are as a country.”

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Democracy Defenders Fund brings together a nonpartisan team to work with national, state, and local allies across the country committed to upholding the rule of law, fighting against autocracy and defending the Constitution.