WASHINGTON, D.C. — This Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, the National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA), Representative Delia Ramirez (IL), and Senators Mazie Hirono (HI) and Ed Markey (MA) affirm our commitment to the Constitution and the protections it affords every person in this nation-regardless of where they were born or their citizenship status. On this day we commit to uphold an affirmative vision for the nation and the principles of democracy, individual liberties, the rule of law, and the civic responsibilities, rights, freedoms, safety, and protections belonging to all people in our nation.
The relentless attacks on due process and human rights, alongside efforts to narrow voter participation and keep eligible people from voting, are an affront to our Constitution and represent grave threats to our democracy. With just forty-eight days until the midterm elections, we stand in solidarity with our members and colleagues working tirelessly to uphold due process, freedom of speech, separation of powers, and constitutional protections—long-standing rights now under attack. We are devoted to ensuring access to full inclusion and oppose the Trump administration’s attempts to threaten and intimidate all eligible voters, including naturalized citizens.
Past leaders of both parties jointly established Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. Today, we remain dedicated to upholding human rights, protecting the constitutional right to birthright citizenship, and preserving and expanding pathways to citizenship. We renew our commitment to build a more inclusive, equitable, and united future for all who call the United States home.
Said Nicole Melaku, NPNA executive director, “Due to President Trump’s broad and violent immigration enforcement efforts, communities across the country face danger and fear each day. With threats to bring that fear to the polls, we cannot stand by as more and more layers of intimidation are added to our electoral process. In recognition of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, we must ensure that every American—U.S.-born or naturalized—can safely exercise their right to vote this November. We must recommit to due process, dignity, and access to opportunity for all who call the United States home.
Said Representative Delia Ramirez (IL), “At a time when the Trump administration is actively threatening Americans’ citizenship and attacking pathways to citizenship, we need to send a clear message: we will defend the rights and liberties enshrined in the Constitution, ensure our constitutional rights are respected, and protect the constitutional rights of ALL residents who call the U.S. home. Congress must act to rein in Trump’s abuses of power and expand pathways to citizenship for our immigrant families, friends, and neighbors who are part of the fabric of our nation.”
“Our nation was founded by immigrants who left their homelands in search of democracy, civil rights, and the rule of law. And despite the Trump regime’s repeated attempts to relegate naturalized citizens to a second-class status, the law could not be more clear: all American citizens, no matter where they were born, are entitled to the fundamental rights our Constitution guarantees,” said Senator Hirono (HI). “As our democracy continues to be threatened by the Trump regime’s anti-immigrant agenda, attacking birthright and naturalized citizen participation alike, Constitution and Citizenship Day serve as a vital reminder that our country is strongest when we embrace the diversity that makes us great. As a proud naturalized citizen, I remain committed to defending this ideal and fighting back against any attempt to erode the equal protection of our laws.”
On Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, we celebrate the resolve of our New Americans and recognize the transformative naturalization process that strengthens our democracy,” said Senator Markey (MA). “Constitutional rights such as due process and equal protection extend to all persons in the United States, regardless of citizenship status. Yet the Trump administration’s cruel and hateful anti-immigrant policies threaten these fundamental promises. We must fight back against Donald Trump’s attacks by expanding pathways to citizenship, defending due process, and building a more inclusive future where every new American can thrive without fear.
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The National Partnership for New Americans (NPNA) is a multi-ethnic, multiracial coalition of over 76 of the nation’s largest immigrant and refugee rights organizations with reach across over 40 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 npna-staging.mystagingwebsite.com.