127th Anniversary of Landmark Supreme Court Case Highlights Ongoing Fight Against Anti-Immigrant Policies

San Francisco, CA – On March 28, 2025, community leaders, elected officials, and descendants of Wong Kim Ark will gather in San Francisco’s Chinatown to commemorate the 127th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision United States v. Wong Kim Ark, which cemented birthright citizenship as a fundamental right under the 14th Amendment. Against the backdrop of renewed attacks on this constitutional guarantee, leaders will demand that California state legislators pass a resolution opposing President Trump’s executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship. 

: Friday, March 28, 2025, 2:00 p.m. PT

: Corner of Grant Avenue and Sacramento Street in San Francisco Chinatown

A memorial dedication will be held at the site of Wong Kim Ark’s birthplace, where a rendering of a plaque will be presented to his family in recognition of his historic contribution to Asian American civil rights. During the event, elected officials will highlight the Republican-led attack on the 14th Amendment and discuss the resolution introduced in the California State Legislature reaffirming the importance of birthright citizenship and the state’s role in defending birthright citizenship and immigrant communities.

San Francisco, the West Coast, and the Fight for Birthright Citizenship

San Francisco and the broader West Coast were epicenters of the anti-Asian and anti-Chinese movements of the 19th and early 20th centuries, with racist laws, policies, and violence aimed at excluding and disenfranchising Chinese immigrants. Today’s attacks on birthright citizenship echo these past injustices. 

The principle of birthright citizenship was affirmed 127 years ago in United States v. Wong Kim Ark, when the Supreme Court determined that San Francisco-born Chinese American Wong Kim Ark and all U.S.-born children of immigrants are guaranteed citizenship under the Constitution.

Wong Kim Ark was born in 1873 at 751 Sacramento Street in San Francisco Chinatown. His father, Wong Si Ping, and his mother, Wee Lee, owned a grocery store but were unable to naturalize as U.S. citizens at that time.

In 1894, Wong traveled to visit his wife and child in China with the intention of returning to the United States. Upon reentry in 1895, he was denied admission on the false basis that he was not a U.S. citizen. While detained, the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association hired an attorney, and the case was litigated all the way up to the U.S. Supreme Court. The Court ultimately ruled that birthright citizenship applied to all children born in the United States, regardless of their parents’ immigration status.

The landmark decision was not just about one individual – it was a victory for an entire community that fought back against exclusion and discrimination. Today, as President Trump and Republican lawmakers attempt to roll back birthright citizenship, the legacy of Wong Kim Ark is a reminder that this is a fight we’ve won before and will win again. 

With California as a national leader in immigrant rights, state legislators must take a stand: Will they protect the 14th Amendment, or will they allow Trump and his allies to strip away a fundamental American right?

San Francisco has long been a gateway for immigrants, from Chinese laborers in the 19th century to Latin American, African, and Asian immigrant communities today. The city’s deep immigrant roots makes it a critical background in the ongoing fight to defend birthright citizenship and the rights of all who call this country home. 

Descendant of Wong Kim Ark

Norman Wong, Descendant of Wong Kim Ark

“Today, we’re faced with an unjust executive order, one that threatens to uproot the lives of thousands of U.S. citizens born to immigrant parents. Threats to birthright citizenship will only divide us. And right now, we need to come together to advance the legacy of Wong Kim Ark and uphold the constitutional right that he fought for.”

California State Assembly

Assemblymember Matt Haney, District 17

“Over 100 years ago, the federal government attempted to strip citizenship away from tens of thousands of Americans who were born in this country. A San Franciscan named Wong Kim Ark stood up and courageously challenged it, and ever since, birthright citizenship has been upheld continuously as the law of the land,” said Assemblymember Matt Haney. “Today we defend the principle of birthright citizenship in the face of another unconstitutional order, and we are inspired by the courage of Wong Kim Ark and the many Chinatown residents and leaders who supported his cause.”

Assemblymember Alex Lee, District 24

“Birthright citizenship is rooted in our Constitution. It serves as a bedrock of our American values and has been upheld for over 150 years,” said Assemblymember Alex Lee. “The president’s attempts to deny birthright citizenship is unconstitutional and undermines the core principles this country was founded upon. California is home to 10.6 million immigrants, with their contributions imprinted in every corner of our society. As we commemorate the legacy of Wong Kim Ark, I’m proud to introduce a state resolution to affirm the legislature’s commitment to birthright citizenship and honor Wong Kim Ark’s fight for this constitutional right.”

Assemblymember Mike Fong, District 49

“The executive order by President Trump, attempting to repeal birthright citizenship, is unconstitutional. It is an assault on the values integral to who we are as Californians and especially as Americans. Our AAPI Legislative Caucus, standing in the legacy of Wong Kim Ark, is united against this action and will continue our fight for the rights of all,” said Assemblymember Mike Fong (D-Alhambra), Chair of the AAPI Legislative Caucus.

City Attorney of San Francisco

David Chiu, San Francisco City Attorney

“Today marks the 127th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court affirming the Constitution’s guarantee of birthright citizenship in a landmark case brought by San Francisco’s own, Wong Kim Ark,” said City Attorney David Chiu. “The story of birthright citizenship is as San Francisco as they come, and the constitutional principle is as clear cut as legal precedents can be. As a son of immigrant parents and the first Chinese American to serve as San Francisco City Attorney, I am determined to challenge this blatantly illegal disregard for the rule of law and ensure future generations of Americans are not deprived of their constitutional right.”

San Francisco Community-Based Organizations

Irene Kwok, Ph.D., Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association 

“In 1898, the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association stood with Wong Kim Ark to fight for his rightful citizenship, knowing that his case would impact generations of immigrants and their children. Today, 127 years later, we continue to defend the principle that if you are born in America, you are an American citizen. The attacks on birthright citizenship we see today echo the discrimination our community faced more than a century ago. We will not stand by as history tries to repeat itself,” said Irene Kwok of CCBA.

Yi Hung Wong, Community Tenant Association

“The same xenophobic forces that sought to deny Wong Kim Ark his citizenship are at work today, trying to strip children born in America of their rightful place in this country. We cannot allow history to repeat itself,” said Ms. Yi Hung Wong of CTA. 

Justin Hoover, Chinatown Historical Society of America

“The experience of Wong Kim Art is a testament to the perseverance and fortitude of the Chinese American community and an example of early forms of mutual aid. During a time of exclusion and extreme prejudice the people of Chinatown, in collaboration with the visionary leaders of the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, succeeded in fighting back against injustice and bringing a new ray of light to our constitution. It should never be forgotten how the local community rallied and challenged injustice to succeed in establishing birthright citizenship for all.” 

San Francisco Board of Supervisors

Earlier this month, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors unanimously voted in support of a resolution reaffirming birthright citizenship protections under the 14th Amendment, sending a clear message that San Francisco will not stand by as the Trump administration attempts to violate the U.S. Constitution.

Supervisor Connie Chan, District 1

“Birthright citizenship is a hard-fought well-earned constitutional right impacting generations of immigrants. In the name of Wong Kim Ark, we are committed to protecting this right, which was affirmed more than 125 years ago and should remain the law of the land,” said Supervisor Connie Chan. 

Supervisor Danny Sauter, District 3

“I am proud to support Wong Kim Ark’s enduring 127-year legacy in securing birthright citizenship for all. Thank you, Chinese for Affirmative Action, for keeping his memory alive with a weeklong series of events. Mr. Wong’s courage in challenging injustice strengthened the foundation of our nation’s values, ensuring that every person born on American soil is recognized as a citizen. As we reflect on his case, let us continue to defend and uphold the principles of equality and justice for future generations,” said Supervisor Danny Sauter.

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Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA) was founded in 1969 to protect the civil and political rights of Chinese Americans and to advance multiracial democracy in the United States. Today, CAA is a progressive voice in and on behalf of the broader Asian American and Pacific Islander community. We advocate for systemic change that protects immigrant rights, promotes language diversity, and remedies racial and social injustice. You can learn more about us at caasf.org.

CHINESE VERSION

即时发布： 

2025 年 3 月 27 日 

联系人：华促会 资讯主任 凌倩恩，syling@caasf.org 

领导人将为黄金德出生地举行揭幕仪式，并要求加州立法者捍卫出生公民权，抵制特朗普的攻击

具有里程碑意义的最高法院案件127周年纪念日凸显对抗反移民政策的斗争仍在持续

加州旧金山 – 2025 年 3 月 28 日，社区领袖、民选官员和黄金德的后人将聚集在旧金山的华埠， 纪念具有指标性历史意义的最高法院裁决美国诉黄金德案 127 周年纪念仪式，该裁决巩固了出 生公民权作为第十四修正案下的一项基本权利。在这一宪法再次受到攻击的背景下，领袖们将要求加州议员通过一项决议，反对特朗普总统试图终止出生公民权的行政令。 

：2025 年 3 月 28 日星期五，太平洋时间下午 2:00 

：旧金山都板街( Grant Avenue) 和唐人街 ( Sacramento Street )拐角处 

将在黄金德出生地举行纪念仪式，向其家人赠送纪念牌匾，以表彰其对亚裔美国公民权利的历史 性贡献。活动期间，民选官员将强调共和党领导的对宪法第14修正案的攻击，以及宣布他们计划在加州立法机构提出重申出生公民权的 重要性的一项决议，， 以及加州在保卫出生公民权和移民社区方面起到的作用。 

旧金山、西海岸和争取出生公民权的斗争

19世纪至20世纪，旧金山和整个西海岸是初反亚和反华运动的中心，带有种族主义德法律、政策和暴力行为不断排斥和剥夺华人移民的权利。今天，对出生公民权的攻击与过去的不公正现象如出一辙。

127 年前，最高法院在 “美国诉黄金德” （United States v. Wong Kim Ark）一案中确认了出生公民权，最高法院在该案中裁定，根据宪法，出生在旧金山的美籍华人黄金德以及所有在美国出生的孩子都享有公民权，无论其父母身份如何。

黄金德于1873年出生于旧金山唐人街751号。他的父亲黄思平（Wong Si Ping）和母亲李维（Wee Lee）经营一家杂货店，但当时无法入籍成为美国公民。

1894年，他离开美国前往中国探望妻子和孩子，并打算返回美国。当他再次入境时，由于虚假的理由，即他并非美国公民，被拒绝入境。在他被拘留期间，中华会馆聘请了一名律师，案件一直上诉到美国最高法院。最高法院最终裁定，出生公民权适用于所有在美国出生的儿童，无论其父母的移民身份如何。

这项具有里程碑意义的判决不仅关乎个人—它是整个社区反抗排斥和歧视的胜利。今天，当特朗普总统和共和党立法者试图取消出生公民权时，黄金德的遗产提醒我们，这是一场我们曾经赢过并将再次获胜的斗争。

加州在移民权利方面处于全国领先地位，州议员们必须表明立场： 他们会保护宪法第14修正案，还是会允许特朗普及其盟友剥夺美国人的基本权利？

旧金山长期以来一直是移民的门户，从19世纪的中国劳工到今天的拉丁美洲、非洲和亚洲移民社区。在捍卫与生俱来的公民权和所有以这个国家为家的人的权利的斗争中，旧金山深厚的移民根基是至关重要的背景。

黄金德的后人 

黄金德的后人 (Norman Wong) 

“今天，我们面临一项不公正的行政命令，这项命令威胁着成千上万移民父母所生的美国公民子女 的生活。出生公民权的威胁只会分裂我们。现在，我们需要团结起来，发扬我曾祖父的历史贡献， 维护他为之奋斗的宪法权利。” 

加州州议会 

第 17 区州议员杨驰马 (Matt Haney) 

“一百多年前，联邦政府试图剥夺数万出生在美国的美国人公民权。一位名叫黄金德的旧金山人 站出来勇敢地挑战了它，从那时起，出生公民权就一直被奉为国家法律,” 州议员马特·哈尼 Matt Haney 说。 “今天，我们在另一项违宪命令面前捍卫出生公民权原则，我们受到黄金德以及支持 他历史事业的众多华埠居民和领导人的勇气及鼓舞。”

第 24 选区州议员 李天明 (Alex Lee) 

“出生公民权植根于我们的宪法。它是我们美国价值观的基石，并已坚持了 150 多年,” 州议员 Alex Lee 说。“总统试图否认出生公民权是违宪的，破坏了这个国家建立的核心原则。加州是 1060 万移民的家园，他们的贡献印记在我们社会的每个角落。在我们纪念黄金德的历史贡献之际 ，我很自豪地提出一项州决议，以确认立法机构对出生公民权的承诺，并纪念黄金德为这一宪法 权利而战。” 

第 49 选区州议员 方樹強 (Mike Fong)

“特朗普总统试图废除出生公民权的行政命令是违宪的。这是对我们作为加州人，尤其是美国人所不可或缺的价值观的侵犯。我们的亚太裔立法核心小组秉承黄金德的遗志，团结一致反对这一行动，并将继续为所有人的权利而战，”亚太裔立法核心小组主席、众议员·方樹強(D-Alhambra) 表示。

旧金山市检察官 

邱信福 (David Chiu)，旧金山市检察官 

“今天是美国最高法院在旧金山市法官黄金德提起的具有里程碑意义的案件中确认宪法保障出生 公民权的 127 周年纪念日，” 旧金山市检察官 David Chiu 表示。“出生公民权的故事与旧金山一 样悠久，宪法原则与法律先例一样明确。作为移民父母的儿子和第一位担任旧金山市检察官的华 裔美国人，我决心挑战这种公然违法的无视法治的行为，并确保美国人后代不会被剥夺宪法赋予 的权利。” 

旧金山社区组织 

郭瑞玲 (Irene Kwok)，博士，中華總會館歷史文物委員會

“1898 年，中华联合慈善会与黄金德站在一起，为他的合法公民身份而战，知道他的案件将影响 几代移民及其子女。今天，127 年过去了，我们继续捍卫这一原则：如果你出生在美国，你就是美 国公民。我们今天看到的对出生公民权的攻击反映了我们社区一个多世纪前面临的歧视。我们不 会袖手旁观，因为历史试图重演，”CCBA 的 Elaine Kwok 说。 

黃绮紅 (Yi Hung Wong)，社区租户协会 

“试图剥夺黄金德公民身份的排外势力今天正在行动，试图剥夺在美国出生的孩子在这个国家的 合法地位。我们不能让历史重演，”CTA 的 Yi Hung Wong 女士说。 

胡智腾 (Justin Hoover), 美国华人历史学会

“黄金艺术中心的经历证明了华裔美国人社区的毅力和坚韧，也是早期互助形式的典范。在排斥和极端偏见的时代，唐人街的人们与中华公所富有远见的领导人合作，成功地反击了不公正，为我们的宪法带来了一线新的光芒。我们永远不应该忘记当地社区如何团结起来，挑战不公正，成功为所有人确立了出生公民权。”

旧金山市参事会 

市参事 陈诗敏 (Connie Chan),  第一区

“出生公民权是一项来之不易的宪法权利,影响了一代又一代的移民。以黄金德 的名义,我们致力 于保护这项权利,这项权利在 125 多年前就已得到确认,并应继续成为国家法律,” 市参事Connie Chan 说道。

市参事 李尔德（Danny Sauter），第 3 区 

“我很自豪能够支持黄金德 127 年来为所有人争取出生公民权的不朽遗产。感谢华人权益促进会 举办为期一周的系列活动，让人们铭记他。黄金德先生挑战不公正的勇气巩固了我们国家价值观 的基础，确保每个在美国土地上出生的人都被视为公民。在反思他的案件时，让我们继续为子孙 后代捍卫和维护平等和正义的原则，” 市参事 Danny Sauter丹尼·索特说。 

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华人权益促进会 (CAA) 成立于 1969 年，旨在保护华裔美国人的公民权利和政治权利，并推进美 国的多种族民主。如今，CAA 是广大亚裔美国人和太平洋岛民社区的进步声音。我们提倡系统性 变革，保护移民权利，促进语言多样性，纠正种族和社会不公。您可以在 caasf.org 上了解有关我 们的更多信息。