The Nevada Immigrant Coalition (NIC) stands for birthright citizenship, a promise made by the U.S. Constitution, and proudly declares that “We Belong”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, May 15, 2025
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Hector Fong | [email protected]
Bethany Khan | [email protected]
Viridiana Vidal | [email protected]
The Nevada Immigrant Coalition (NIC) stands for birthright citizenship, a promise made by the U.S. Constitution, and proudly declares that “We Belong”
Las Vegas, NV – As the country looks towards Supreme Court oral arguments in CASA v. Trump, the Nevada Immigrant Coalition (NIC) issued the following statement in support of the 14th Amendment of the Constitution (birthright citizenship) and against President Trump’s unconstitutional executive order.
“The Trump administration’s executive order threatens to unravel one of the most basic principles of our democracy: Birthright citizenship. Clearly stated in the 14th Amendment, this guarantee affirms that all children born on US soil are citizens, no matter who their parents were, what their race is, or their immigration status. It’s a promise enshrined in the foundational document that is our Constitution,” said Laura Martin, Executive Director of the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada (PLAN). “President Trump has continued to directly assault the Constitution, as if he were king ruling by decree. Rather than try to defend the day one executive order, the Trump administration hopes the Supreme Court will do his bidding and lift the nationwide injunction and allow the order to proceed in parts of the country and claim victory for his unconstitutional executive order. That would fracture our nation’s legal identity and sow absolute chaos, where in one state a child is a citizen and in another, they are not. U.S. citizens have long considered a birth certificate their proof of U.S. citizenship – but if that is no longer the case it impacts U.S. citizens, immigrants, and state and federal agencies. In this nation, the law should equally apply to all.”
“I’m proudly the daughter of immigrants from Guyana who were working in the shadows, paying taxes, and hoping for a chance at the American Dream. I was born when both of my parents were undocumented and working hard to provide for our family. Every day, my mom and dad lived in fear that the life they were building for us could be ripped away in an instant,” said Bethany Khan, Spokeswoman for the Culinary Union and member of the Nevada Immigrant Coalition (NIC) Steering Committee. “I am a U.S. citizen because the 14th Amendment guarantees that everyone born on U.S. soil is a citizen, no matter where our parents came from. It’s a promise that has protected me and given my entire family a chance to thrive. Now, that promise is under attack by Republicans who deem children of immigrants and our livelihoods as less deserving, but we are Americans and we belong. The Trump administration wants to end birthright citizenship so that children who were born here, raised here, and belong here, could suddenly find themselves without a country. We are not going to let that happen. The U.S. Constitution mandates that birthright citizenship is a right. It will keep millions of families together like mine and that’s why we are fighting to protect it. We call on political leaders to stand with immigrant workers, our families, and protect that promise.”
The Nevada Immigrant Coalition (NIC), led by the Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada (PLAN), Culinary Union, and Make the Road Nevada, with support from over 20 statewide partners, has mobilized in response to the surges in ICE activity in Nevada. The NIC will post all breaking news and confirmations of ICE activity in Nevada on Instagram and Twitter (X)
The Nevada Immigrant Coalition (NIC) urges members of the immigrant community to know their rights, have family preparedness plans in place, and be aware of ICE officers in plainclothes and unmarked vehicles. All Nevadans, regardless of immigration status, have rights and deserve due process.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS:
If ICE stops you . . .
*You can ask the officers if you are being detained, if you are not, then you are free to leave.
*You have the right to remain silent. You do not have to answer any questions regarding your immigration status, where you were born, or how you entered the United States.
*Do not physically resist a government official and do not run away.
*If you are over 18 or over, and a non-citizen, an immigration officer may request to see your immigration documents. If you have your documents, the law requires you to share them if you have them.
*If you do not have your immigration documents, you still have the right to remain silent and ask for an attorney.
*Do not provide false documents to officials.
If ICE comes to your home . . .
*In most circumstances, you are not required to open the door for ICE if they don’t have a judicial warrant. A Judicial warrant is a document that is signed by a judge.
*You have the right to remain silent and not answer any questions.
If ICE takes you into custody . . .
*You have the right to ask to speak with an attorney.
*You have the right to not sign any document that you do not understand. Even if the ICE officers are persistent and want to pressure you, do not sign.
*In certain cases, you can request to see the immigration judge. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to ask for bail to be released from custody.
*You have the right to request to contact your country’s consulate for help.
*If you have minor children, let the officers know that you are the parent or primary caregiver. ICE may “exercise discretion” and let you go.
TO FIND LOVED ONES WHO MAY HAVE BEEN DETAINED:
Search the ICE Detainee Locator.
###
ABOUT THE NEVADA IMMIGRANT COALITION:
The Nevada Immigrant Coalition (NIC), founded in 2006, ensures immigrant, refugee, and new American voices are heard at a local, state, and federal level to advocate for humane and fair immigration policies. The Nevada Immigrant Coalition focuses on strengthening a network that provides services, resources, and deportation defense to immigrants and refugees across the state while strategically organizing around issues that are important to all Nevadans. We believe in working towards a Nevada that welcomes, respects, and protects everyone regardless of their immigration status.
Get updates from the Nevada Immigrant Coalition (NIC) on Instagram and Twitter (X).