John Trasviña, a prominent civil rights attorney and former federal official, is slated to speak at North Central College in Naperville on Constitution Day. The event, organized by Chinese American Women in Action (CAWA), will focus on the critical importance of United States v. Wong Kim Ark and the principle of birthright citizenship enshrined in the 14th Amendment. Trasviña announced his upcoming appearance on social media, stating, "For the upcoming #Constitution Day, great opportunity to visit beautiful @northcentralcol in #Naperville to speak on importance of #WongKimArk & birthright #citizenship. Thank you Chinese American Women in Action for leading."
Trasviña brings decades of experience in civil rights advocacy, having served in significant roles across multiple presidential administrations. He was Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development under President Obama and Special Counsel for Immigration Related Unfair Employment Practices under President Clinton. His background as a former dean of the University of San Francisco School of Law and president of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) underscores his expertise in constitutional and immigration law.
The discussion will center on the 1898 Supreme Court case United States v. Wong Kim Ark, a landmark decision that affirmed birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment. This ruling established that nearly all individuals born on U.S. soil are citizens, regardless of their parents' nationality or immigration status. The case is a cornerstone of American citizenship law, affirming the principle of jus soli (right of soil) that grants citizenship by place of birth.
Chinese American Women in Action (CAWA), a Naperville-based non-profit, non-partisan organization, is hosting the event to empower Chinese American women in local communities. CAWA's mission involves education, advocacy, networking, and mentoring to foster civic engagement at all levels. Their initiative to bring Trasviña to North Central College highlights the group's commitment to educating the public on vital civil rights issues and constitutional principles.
The upcoming Constitution Day address comes at a time when birthright citizenship remains a topic of public and political debate. Trasviña's lecture will likely provide historical context and legal analysis of the 14th Amendment's Citizenship Clause, reinforcing its foundational role in American society. The event at North Central College aims to engage the community in understanding the enduring significance of these civil rights protections.