STATEMENTS BY MAYOR ELICKER ON U.S. SUPREME COURT DECISIONS ON BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP AND TRANSGENDER RIGHTS

[NEW HAVEN, CT] - Today, the U.S. Supreme Court issued decisions on cases upholding birthright citizenship and rejecting transgender rights. Following these rulings, Mayor Justin Elicker issued the following statements:

Birthright Citizenship | Trump v. Barbara

"A lesson every student is taught in every civics class across the country is, if you are born on American soil, you are American. It is a right afforded to all persons - and it is in plain, unambiguous language in our Constitution. Thankfully, it is a right the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed once again today. The City of New Haven was proud to submit an amicus brief in this case alongside other local governments defending birthright citizenship - and we will continue to defend the rights of our residents from President Trump's extremist anti-American and anti-immigrant policies.

It is also important to our national character that our country is a safe and welcoming one to refugees and asylum seekers. The Supreme Court's recent ruling granting the Trump administration the power to end Temporary Protection Status for Haitian and Syrian asylees and to revoke the legal status of individuals fleeing war, violence, persecution and natural disasters is, in my view, inhumane and un-American. This cruelly upends the lives of individuals and families whose lives have already been upended, shirks our humanitarian responsibilities, and diminishes our standing in the world. As we prepare to celebrate America's 250^th anniversary, it also stands in stark contrast to the origin story of our nation when those fleeing religious and political persecution first came to its shores.

New Haven will continue to be a welcoming and inclusive city to all who want to be productive members of our community."

Transgender Rights | West Virgina, et al v B.P.J. and Little v. Hecox

"Sadly, transgender Americans are among the most discriminated and persecuted members in our society today. Our transgender students need to know they are loved and belong, and that there is a place for them in their communities, schools and sports teams. While the Supreme Court's ruling is disappointing, thankfully the City of New Haven and State of Connecticut are much more welcoming places for our transgender students and athletes. As a city, we will continue to be an inclusive and affirming place for our transgender residents."

###

Press Contact:

Lenny Speiller | (203) 725-4249 ; [email protected]