CDLC Statement in Response to Supreme Court Ruling

DENVER, CO — This morning, the Supreme Court struck down the ability for lower courts to issue nationwide injunctions. In the past several hours we have felt the visceral hurt and fear of our communities in light of the Supreme Court’s birthright citizenship ruling. There have been countless individuals who have reached out to us fearing for the well-being of their families, friends, and neighbors. As we come to terms with the realities of a Supreme Court willing to overturn precedent, we want to make one thing clear- the Colorado Democratic Latino Caucus will continue to fight to protect our residents, our state, and our constitutional principles. 

Though this ruling has far-reaching implications, we want to reassure the residents of Colorado that any child born to non-citizen parents in the state continues to have birthright citizenship recognized. This ruling does not change that fact, and we applaud the actions of Attorney General Phil Weiser for joining 21 other states as a plaintiff in the suit that triggered the original preliminary injunction. As a result, despite today’s Supreme Court ruling, the preliminary  injunction still applies in Colorado. 

Unfortunately, the core provisions of this ruling still have the potential to cause significant harm to Coloradans. By limiting universal injunctions, this ruling will overwhelm the lower courts, making it harder to universally challenge access to rights clearly granted through congressional or constitutional provisions. We are witnessing the degradation of democratic norms in real time.

We, as your elected officials want to provide you the reassurance that we will continue to fight for you, to defend you. We will wage this battle in partnership with fellow elected officials across Colorado and ensure that Constitutional rights are not violated. 

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