WASHINGTON, D.C. — FWD.us President Todd Schulte issued the following statement after the Supreme Court issued a mixed decision restricting the use of nationwide injunctions while sending the decision on birthright citizenship back to the lower courts:

“Today’s mixed decision still leaves the future of birthright citizenship to the lower courts, but by not completely blocking the federal government’s attempt to restrict birthright citizenship, the Supreme Court has opened the door to a fractured system in which a child born in one state is recognized as a citizen, but a child born in another is not.

“While this legal battle is far from over–as the states and the plaintiffs made a strong showing under the new standard set out today–if the President’s order is allowed to go into effect by the lower courts, there will be immediate chaos for parents, hospitals, and local officials, and long-term harm for families and communities across the country. The 14th Amendment’s guarantee of birthright citizenship is a core part of what it means to be American; it guarantees that all children born have equal access to citizenship. As the courts continue to consider the underlying merits of this case, we must be clear: restricting birthright citizenship would be a tragic mistake, creating confusion, discrimination, and lasting harm to families and communities.

“Moreover, we are deeply concerned this will create new incentives for an administration to press ahead on unlawful, harmful actions by placing a new, substantial burden on any harmed individuals, for whom seeking relief and justice will now be more challenging.”

FWD.us will support a call with the litigants in the case and individuals directly impacted by the ruling to discuss the implications of the decision. You can register here.