By Archdiocese of Miami -
Miami Shores, FL (June 30, 2026)– The Archdiocese of Miami welcomes today's decision affirming the longstanding constitutional principle of birthright citizenship as guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment.
As Archbishop Thomas Wenski wrote earlier this year, "The justices should rule in favor of jus soli—this would affirm the dignity of innocent children and be consistent with our democratic traditions as well as with the plain language of the 14th Amendment."
For more than a century, birthright citizenship has helped integrate new generations of Americans into the fabric of our nation. As the Archbishop noted, "Here in South Florida, as elsewhere in the United States, we celebrate the achievements of those who proudly called themselves 'first-generation Americans. In celebrating their accomplishments, we honor the sacrifices of their parents who migrated to this country in search of freedom and opportunity."
Today's decision preserves a constitutional principle that has fostered unity, stability, and opportunity for generations of Americans while reaffirming that children born in this country belong to the nation they call home.
Archbishop Wenski also cautioned that abandoning this principle risked creating "a vulnerable, exploitable, and marginalized underclass," urging our nation to "learn from history and not repeat its mistakes." Today's ruling helps avoid that outcome and preserves a tradition that has strengthened our democracy and promoted the common good.
The Catholic Church teaches that every person is created in the image and likeness of God and possesses an inherent dignity. While nations have the right to regulate immigration and secure their borders, they must always do so in ways that respect human dignity, protect family unity, and promote justice.
The Archdiocese of Miami remains committed to accompanying immigrant families, defending the dignity of every child, and advocating for immigration policies that are both just and compassionate. We pray that this decision will encourage our nation to continue building a society that welcomes opportunity, fosters inclusion, and reflects our shared responsibility to care for one another.
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