Today, the Supreme Court of the United States reaffirmed a fundamental truth: that all children born on U.S. soil, regardless of their parents’ immigration status, are American citizens.
This decision is particularly poignant in San Francisco, a place that played a key role in the history of birthright citizenship in this country. When the U.S. government refused to recognize the citizenship of a young man named Wong Kim Ark, born here in Chinatown, community groups rallied to his support. The 1898 Supreme Court ruling in United States v. Wong Kim Ark enshrined the principle of birthright citizenship in our Constitution. By protecting birthright citizenship in today’s decision, the Supreme Court has reminded us of the promise of a just and inclusive America.
While we are encouraged by this ruling, now is not the time to let our guard down. Vulnerable immigrants and their families continue to face numerous challenges, and the San Francisco Foundation remains committed to supporting their needs throughout the Bay Area. Through initiatives like our Stand Together Bay Area Fund and our partnerships with immigrant defense organizations, we remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that all our neighbors —especially the most vulnerable—are treated with dignity and respect.
We encourage everyone to join us in this ongoing work by supporting local organizations defending our communities. Together, we can build a future where every person, regardless of where they come from, has the opportunity to thrive.
How You Can Take Action
- Donate to the Stand Together Bay Area Fund: Together with mayors and nonprofits across the region, we are mobilizing millions of dollars to provide a lifeline for families in crisis right here in the Bay Area.
- Donate to the local nonprofits in our Immigration Give Guide
