June 30, 2026 — On Tuesday, the United States Supreme Court affirmed that nearly every child born on U.S. soil is a U.S. citizen, regardless of their parents' immigration status. The Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM) uplifts this ruling as a necessary rebuke to an administration that has worked to strip immigrants of their rights. Chief Justice Roberts authored and both Democratic-appointed and Republican-appointed justices affirmed the ruling, including Justices Sotomayor, Kagan, Barrett, and Jackson. Justice Kavanaugh joined in part.
In 2025, President Trump signed an executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship, a principle that has been settled law for over 125 years. Today's ruling reaffirms a basic principle of our democracy: the constitution is supreme, and not subject to amendment or revision by the President.
The Court ruled birthright citizenship is guaranteed by the 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868 to secure citizenship for formerly enslaved people and their children. Both Congress and the Supreme Court have repeatedly upheld that guarantee. The executive order failed on legal and policy grounds–as it should.
As a result of this decision, nothing changes for Minnesota families. Children born here remain citizens, with the same access to documents, school enrollment, and health care they have always had. This protection is vital for Minnesota's many mixed-status families, including members of our Central and South American, Asian and African immigrant communities, especially in the wake of Operation Metro Surge and the uncertainty it caused.
"This decision provides important clarity and reassurance for Minnesota families and communities. It confirms that birthright citizenship remains the law of the land. At the same time, we acknowledge how troubling it is to be facing an inflection point of this magnitude," said Julia Decker, ILCM Director of Policy and Public Affairs.
ILCM remains available to answer questions from Minnesota families about citizenship and immigration status, and we will continue to monitor attempts to undermine immigrant rights at the federal level.
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About the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota
The Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota (ILCM) is dedicated to defending and expanding immigrant and refugee rights across Minnesota and North Dakota. We provide free immigration legal representation to low-income individuals, educate diverse communities, and advocate for compassionate, practical policy for our community members. For 30 years, ILCM has been the region's leading provider of comprehensive immigration legal services to clients of all nationalities.