You are not alone (reaction to Supreme Court/birthright citizenship injunction)

[UPDATE - on July 10, a federal court once again blocked Trump's Executive Order from taking effect and certified a nationwide class in a lawsuit that protects the citizenship rights of all children born on U.S. soil.]Cleveland Heights — Following is a statement from Lynn Tramonte, Executive Director of the Ohio Immigrant Alliance, about today’s Supreme Court decision in Trump v. CASA.Migration is as old as time; as basic as breathing. It’s an act of strength, love, and courage. And children born in the United States are U.S. citizens. That’s how it is today, and that’s how it must always be.The Supreme Court did not rule on the constitutionality of Trump’s attempt to deny citizenship to some babies and “make America white again.” Today’s decision was procedural, about whether lower courts can establish nationwide injunctions. It was not about birthright citizenship itself. Still, the Court made the wrong call.The majority voted to give President Trump what he wants — unfettered power — at least for a time. They voted to bring chaos into delivery rooms. To bring fear into Ohio homes. Families who are just trying to work hard, take care of each other, and live their lives don’t deserve this.The good news is, CASA and Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project already filed a new lawsuit to establish a nationwide class, which will be ruled on before the Supreme Court decision goes into effect in 30 days. It should ensure that children born in any state continue to be recognized as U.S. citizens. We cannot guarantee that, of course, but we are hopeful.When it comes to the confines of his own power, the President believes in open borders. Absolute authority. But when it comes to immigrants who are taking care of their families and benefitting our communities, he doesn’t believe they are human. He’s unleashed thugs in masks to grab people off the street like bags of trash and throw them into the backs of vans. What about the kids left behind? It doesn’t matter. Who will pay the mortgage? It doesn’t matter. You know this is wrong. You see the videos of the abductions and you know this isn’t the type of country we should let ourselves be.But we are not alone or powerless. CASA and ASAP’s swift legal action was prepared because they knew anything could happen today. They were ready to fight back. Congress and the Supreme Court might be disappointing in how they are handling the Trump administration’s lawless behavior, but immigrants and pro-immigrant allies are organized, strategic, and ready.Like immigrants who know what they and their loved ones need to be safe, our movement is powered by some of the strongest, smartest, hardest-working lawyers, volunteers, interpreters, organizers, educators, funders, researchers, thinkers, and doers you will ever meet. We find a way forward. We know what we need and we keep us safe.

To anyone out there worried about the future of their unborn child, we encourage you to follow ASAP and CASA for updates on the legal case. The Ohio Immigrant Alliance knows that Ohio is your home, and we are glad you are here. Use our resource website and call the Ohio Immigrant Hotline if you have a question. Times are tough now, but there are many people in Ohio who think this state is better because people from all over the world have chosen to live here. None of us are alone.