WASHINGTON, D.C. — Every year, on September 17, the United States celebrates Constitution Day, marking the anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution. This historic document laid the foundation for our democracy, established the Bill of Rights, guaranteeing civil liberties and freedoms, and set forth the framework for our government through the separation of powers and a system of checks and balances.

The United States Constitution has served as a tool for transformation across generations and continues to act as a guiding light for every individual on American soil—each with rights and responsibilities—who calls this nation home. Through this Constitution, it became possible to build a United States of multiethnic, multiracial, and multilingual communities—where equal protection and due process apply to all, regardless of whether one is undocumented, a new American, or native-born. It is fitting that past generations of leaders, both Democrat and Republican, came together to jointly observe September 17 as Citizenship Day, recognizing all who become citizens, whether by birth or naturalization, and honoring the document that governs their life, liberty, and freedom.

This year, we mark Constitution Day and Citizenship Day at a time when injustice toward marginalized communities has become painfully pronounced. Authoritarian overreach through executive actions undermines our foundational principles and disregards the social progress achieved over generations to build an inclusive democracy. Constitutional rights have served as the strongest safeguard against disappearances, deportations to third countries, family separations, indefinite detention, and the many life-threatening and dehumanizing actions this administration is carrying out against Black and Brown immigrant communities.

As a national network of immigrant and refugee-serving organizations, we call for oversight and community protection on this Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, and we reaffirm our commitment to the ongoing struggle for immigrant inclusion at the local, state, and federal levels. As our leaders in Congress fight to uphold and defend immigrant rights and prevent the Trump administration from unlawfully seizing control of the power of the purse, while military tanks roll through the streets of our cities, democracy, equality, and constitutional freedoms are at stake.

“The U.S. Constitution is a beacon of hope and guiding light for every American. It is the foundation of our democracy and establishes principles of liberty, justice, and equality that govern our nation,” said Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06). “On Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, we must renew our commitment to upholding these rights for everybody in the United States, and continuing the hard work that it takes to achieve a more perfect union. Even at this time when these principles are under attack and many feel fearful and uncertain about the future of our country, we must keep fighting for an inclusive, safe, and free nation.”

“The guarantees of the U.S. Constitution are not mere suggestions—they are fundamental rights. Constitutional rights such as due process and equal protection are indispensable to our democracy, and they extend to all persons in the United States, regardless of citizenship status,” said Senator Ed Markey (D-MA). “This Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, as we face serious challenges to our democracy and our constitutional order, we must recommit ourselves to the fight for justice, liberty, and freedom for all and pledge to protect the dignity and rights of everyone in the United States, including our immigrant community.”

“Our Constitution recognizes that all those who live here, regardless of their citizenship status or country of origin, have rights and protections in our multiracial, multicultural democracy,” said Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03). “As we recognize Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, we must stand firm in our commitment to universal rights ensured for ALL — independent of citizenship status — and protect our neighbors from undemocratic attacks that betray our American ideals. We must stand strong in our belief in and defense of due process, equal protection, and the American right to birthright citizenship.”

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The National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA) is a multi-ethnic, multiracial coalition of 88 of the nation’s largest immigrant and refugee rights organizations with reach across over 42 states. Together with our members, we advance immigrant and refugee equity and inclusion, build and expand immigration legal services and integration programming capacity, and drive campaigns that strengthen democracy through increased civic participation. See our website for more information at partnershipfornewamericans.org.