Born in the U.S.A.: Defending Birthright Citizenship with Bruce Springsteen
The upcoming Supreme Court case, Trump v. Barbara, also known as the birthright citizenship case, is set to be heard on April 1. This case originated from a Trump Executive Order in January 2025 that aimed to redefine the 14th Amendment, potentially eliminating automatic citizenship for individuals born in the United States. The ACLU has been actively opposing this Executive Order and has collaborated with Bruce Springsteen to create a powerful 30-second video featuring his iconic song "Born in the U.S.A." The video showcases diverse Americans whose lives could be significantly impacted by the court's decision. The ACLU's executive director, Anthony D. Romero, sheds light on the inspiration behind the video and the importance of defending birthright citizenship.
The idea for the video emerged during an interview with Katie Couric shortly after President Trump's inauguration. Romero was deeply troubled by the Executive Order's attempt to undermine birthright citizenship, a fundamental principle that addresses historical injustices and unites the nation. The ACLU had been anticipating challenges to birthright citizenship and swiftly filed a lawsuit against the Executive Order on the day it was signed. Romero emphasizes the significance of protecting birthright citizenship and engaging the public in understanding its importance through the ad campaign featuring "Born in the U.S.A."
The process of involving Bruce Springsteen in the campaign began with Romero's connection to Jon Landau, Springsteen's manager. Recognizing Springsteen's vocal stance on social issues, Romero believed the song's message aligned with the ACLU's mission. With Landau's support and Sony Music's approval, the collaboration came to fruition. Despite facing delays in getting the case before the Supreme Court, the ACLU remained committed to producing a compelling TV spot that resonated with the public and highlighted the value of birthright citizenship.
The video aims to evoke a sense of pride and unity among viewers by showcasing the diverse fabric of American society and emphasizing the importance of birthright citizenship in shaping the nation's identity. Romero hopes the campaign will serve as a rallying cry to protect birthright citizenship and challenge the administration's attempts to redefine citizenship. By leveraging the emotional resonance of "Born in the U.S.A.," the ACLU seeks to engage a broad audience and spark conversations about the implications of the Supreme Court's decision.
"Born in the U.S.A." is hailed as a quintessential American anthem that captures the complexities of the nation's history and values. Springsteen's song, with its patriotic melody and poignant lyrics, reflects the struggles and aspirations of Americans across generations. Romero underscores the song's enduring relevance and its ability to inspire action and solidarity in defending birthright citizenship. The ACLU's campaign aims to unite individuals from diverse backgrounds in safeguarding the principles enshrined in the Constitution.
While confident in the legal foundation supporting birthright citizenship, Romero acknowledges the gravity of the Supreme Court's decision and the potential implications of a ruling against it. In the event of an unfavorable outcome, the ACLU is prepared to pursue further litigation and advocacy efforts to uphold birthright citizenship. Romero's unwavering commitment to defending this fundamental right underscores the ACLU's enduring dedication to protecting civil liberties and democratic principles for generations to come.