Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib, a First Generation American, Responds to Supreme Court Ruling on Birthright Citizenship Injunction

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DENVER – In a deeply concerning decision, the U.S. Supreme Court today cleared the way for parts of President Trump’s executive order attacking birthright citizenship to take effect. Colorado Democratic Party Chair Shad Murib issued the following statement:

“As a first-generation American, a son of immigrants who fled Lebanon to escape war, I feel the weight of this callous and harmful ruling deeply and the pain and fear these families must be feeling hearing this news.

My parents came to the United States from Lebanon because they believed it was a safe place to raise their family. My sibling was born in 1980 and I was born in 1987. My parents realized their dreams of becoming citizens themselves in the mid-90’s after having two children and opening successful appliance stores in Littleton. They’ve voted in every election and take their patriotism seriously.

I share this story because there are millions of people like me all over this country who are grateful to live here, who consider this home, and are patriotic and productive members of our communities. We are not alone.

For those who are afraid for their friends, family, loved ones, coworkers, or themselves – I share your concern, but it is incumbent on us to never buckle from fear.

Let’s be clear: the Supreme Court didn’t rule on whether Trump’s attack on birthright citizenship is constitutional; it said that federal judges can’t pause rulings for the whole country unless everyone affected is part of the case.

This legal technicality still has huge consequences, including allowing President Trump to end birthright citizenship in some parts of our country, even as courts are deciding whether it’s legal.

Colorado Democrats believe the Constitution is clear: if you’re born here, you’re a citizen.

Lower courts are often our last line of defense against abuses of power, especially when people’s basic rights are on the line, and immigrants are productive and essential parts of so many of our communities.

Many go to bed with the dream of earning their citizenship and participating in every facet of American life freely. No child deserves to go to bed wondering if their parents will be with them in the morning, or if they’ll get to see their friends at school ever again.

The vast majority of Americans agree on a pathway to citizenship, and that immigrants contribute positively to our country.

Our hearts are with the families and children now stuck in limbo. They are just as American as anyone else and deserve the full rights and protections of citizenship.

We won’t back down while Trump and his cronies try to rewrite our country’s founding promises. We’ll keep fighting for the families and kids this order puts at risk in the courts, at the ballot box, and in every community across Colorado.”