Statement from Popular Democracy in Action Executive Director DaMareo Cooper on Supreme Court Decision to Uphold Birthright Citizenship

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Popular Democracy in Action Executive Director DaMareo Cooper released the following statement:

“Today, freedom won. The fundamental promise of birthright citizenship that has defined Americans’ way of life for the past 158 years remains protected and enshrined in our Constitution, despite the Trump administration’s efforts to peel back the fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the 14th Amendment and take us to a time before the Civil War.

This is a significant win, but it also underscores the dangers of this moment. Against the will of the people, the most powerful forces in the country are using their resources to pervert the U.S. Constitution so that politicians get to decide who belongs based on race, ancestry, or political power. They seek to erase a century of progress. Today, the promise of birthright citizenship and the 14th Amendment holds firm, but without sustained effort it is not guaranteed.

We are proud of Popular Democracy’s role, including our network of affiliates, as a key leader in the fight to defend the protections of the 14th Amendment, but we cannot get comfortable. The President’s authoritarian movement has hijacked our government, and it is coming for our rights, our votes, and our voice. 

Every major expansion of freedom in this country was won through organizing, sacrifice, and collective action. This moment will require the same from all of us. We will organize, mobilize, and fight until the promise of citizenship, dignity, and equal protection belongs to everyone.”

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