OCA Applauds Court Decision Temporarily Blocking Birthright Citizenship Executive Order

For Immediate Release

July 14, 2025

Media Contact: 
Socheata Sun, Senior Communications Associate
socheata.sun@ocanational.org

Washington, D.C. — OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates applauds the recent decision by a U.S. District Court in New Hampshire, which has temporarily blocked President Trump’s executive order restricting birthright citizenship. The ruling, in Barbara v. Donald J. Trump, also granted class-action status to the case, which was filed on behalf of children born in the United States whose citizenship is threatened by the order. 

This decision comes as part of broader legal challenges to the executive order, including our own lawsuit, OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates v. Rubio, brought in partnership with Asian Americans Advancing Justice - AAJC and the Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs (WLC). Our case was recently amended to proceed as a class action, ensuring that all children and families affected by the order are represented.  

“We commend the court’s decision as a crucial step toward blocking this unlawful attempt to undermine birthright citizenship,” said Thu Nguyen, Executive Director of OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates. “When we filed our challenge last month, we remained steadfast in our position that this executive order is unconstitutional and has no place in our democracy. This ruling reaffirms this truth.” 

Asian Americans have long been at the forefront of affirming birthright citizenship, beginning with the landmark 1898 Supreme Court decision in United States v. Wong Kim Ark. “Birthright citizenship is essential to the promise of equality under the law,” Nguyen added. “Revoking this right would create chaos and confusion, causing lasting harm to immigrant families and AAPI communities across the country. OCA will continue fighting to ensure that every child and every family receives the full rights and protections guaranteed by the Constitution.” 

The amended complaint in OCA v. Rubio can be read here.  

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About OCA - Asian Pacific American Advocates

Founded in 1973, OCA–Asian Pacific American Advocates is a national, member-driven social justice organization of community advocates dedicated to advancing the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs). Learn more about our work at ocanational.org/about.

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