Defend the 14th Amendment
OUR AMERICA IS BIG ENOUGH FOR ALL OF US
The promise of belonging.
For over 150 years, the 14th Amendment has embodied the promise of belonging. It ensures that no politician can decide who deserves to live, thrive, and belong in this country. Among its most important guarantees are equal protection under the law and birthright citizenship.
Today, these rights are under attack. President Trump’s executive orders target birthright citizenship, undermining the very foundation of our democracy. His actions are rooted in fear and cruelty, exploiting division to consolidate power and strip millions of their rights and dignity.
What does the 14th Amendment protect?
The 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868, completely revolutionized American society — kicking open the door to dignity and freedom for everyone, not just the rich white man.
The freedom to belong, love who we love, get the care we need and pick our leaders. It’s all wrapped up in the protections of the 14th Amendment.
It is our duty to defend it.
“No State shall… deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.”
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All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
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Representatives shall be apportioned among the several States according to their respective numbers, counting the whole number of persons in each State, excluding Indians not taxed. But when the right to vote at any election for the choice of electors for President and Vice-President of the United States, Representatives in Congress, the Executive and Judicial officers of a State, or the members of the Legislature thereof, is denied to any of the male inhabitants of such State, being twenty-one years of age, and citizens of the United States, or in any way abridged, except for participation in rebellion, or other crime, the basis of representation therein shall be reduced in the proportion which the number of such male citizens shall bear to the whole number of male citizens twenty-one years of age in such State.
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No person shall be a Senator or Representative in Congress, or elector of President and Vice-President, or hold any office, civil or military, under the United States, or under any State, who, having previously taken an oath, as a member of Congress, or as an officer of the United States, or as a member of any State legislature, or as an executive or judicial officer of any State, to support the Constitution of the United States, shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof. But Congress may by a vote of two-thirds of each House, remove such disability.
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The validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and bounties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall not be questioned. But neither the United States nor any State shall assume or pay any debt or obligation incurred in aid of insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or any claim for the loss or emancipation of any slave; but all such debts, obligations and claims shall be held illegal and void.
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The Congress shall have power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article.
Why Defend the 14th Amendment?
Donald Trump’s recent executive orders take direct aim at these fundamental rights. His attack on birthright citizenship threatens to unravel 150 years of legal precedent, creating a country where only a select few are allowed to belong.
These orders aren’t just policies—they’re an assault on who we are as a nation. Trump’s cruel agenda exploits fear and racial division to divide communities, erode democracy, and consolidate power for the wealthy few. If we don’t fight back, his vision of exclusion will replace our shared promise of belonging.
We believe in a better future. Together, we can uphold the 14th Amendment and build an America that lives up to its promise—a nation where all of us, no matter our race, background, or identity, have the freedom to thrive.
What’s the 14th Amendment? Why does it matter?
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The 14th Amendment put into law two basic principles:
-If you’re born in the United States, you’re a citizen.
-Equal protection & due process under the law. -
![How the 14th Amendment impacts our lives daily:]()
How the 14th Amendment impacts our lives daily:
-Schools, buses, and water fountains
aren’t segregated anymore.-We can marry someone of a different race.
-It’s key to fighting attacks on abortion access and trans healthcare today.
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Trump wants to pick and choose who among those born in our country is worthy of citizenship. But here’s why that is completely unconstitutional:
United States v. Wong Kim Ark.
The Supreme Court ruled in 1898 that the 14th Amendment guarantees citizenship at birth to anyone born in the U.S.—no matter where their parents are from. The court ruled that Wong Kim Ark was a citizen despite anti-immigrant laws like the Chinese Exclusion Act.
Despite what far-right extremists like Trump say, this SCOTUS decision reaffirmed that birthright citizenship is the law of the land.
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Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship will create a generation of second-class citizens.
Second-class citizenship by executive order violates the 14th Amendment: it’s not just unconstitutional. It also ignores 150 years of precedent.
It will also mean more big government
intrusion into people’s lives, bureaucratic hurdles, and investigating of newborns and hospitals.Trump does not get to decide who is “American enough” to deserve U.S. citizenship.
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Trump, billionaires, and conservative lawmakers want to strip birthright citizenship, block access to schools, and control our bodies and our futures.
Why?
Because the 14th Amendment is a guarantee that freedom and dignity belong to all of us, not just the rich, white man. It says we belong. That’s why they're attacking it.
Whether it’s Black and brown immigrants, trans and queer people, or anyone else who doesn’t fit Trump’s narrow vision, these policies are designed to divide and distract us so Trump and his billionaire allies can keep lining their pockets.
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Our grandparents and those who came before us in the struggle fought for this. The 14th Amendment cemented the inherent freedom of our formerly enslaved ancestors and their descendants.
This is the fight of our generation — and we’re helping you understand how it’s all connected. When they come for one of us, they come for us all.
Join the Movement to Defend the 14th Amendment.
Send an Email to Your Representatives
Demand that Congress block Trump’s attacks on the 14th Amendment. Tell them to protect our freedoms and ensure equal protection under the law.
Sign Up to Become a Defender
Join our community of defenders ready to fight back against Trump’s right-wing, extremist policies. Text DEFEND to 25463 to plug in.
TEXT DEFEND TO 25463
Other Ways to Take Action:
Follow the Campaign on Social Media
The 14th Amendment is our nation’s promise of equality and belonging. Stay up-to-date on how to spread the word about its importance and the dangers of Trump’s attacks.
Join our State-based Affiliate Network
Our network organizations are on the frontlines, shielding communities from these harmful policies. Find out how you can become a member.
Donate to Power Our Organizing Work
For over 150 years, the 14th Amendment has safeguarded our democracy. Every dollar helps power our organizing for an America that is truly big enough for all of us.