Recent conversations have revealed a common misunderstanding about the United States Constitution, specifically the idea that its protections apply only to U.S. citizens. That is not accurate. The Constitution makes a clear distinction between “citizens” and “persons,” and that distinction matters.
Many of the Constitution’s most fundamental protections apply to all persons within the United States, regardless of citizenship or immigration status. These include due process of law, equal protection under the law, and protection from unreasonable searches and seizures. Courts have affirmed this principle for more than a century because the Constitution exists to restrain government power and ensure fairness, accountability, and lawful action.
Some rights, such as voting in federal elections or holding certain public offices, are reserved for citizens and are clearly defined as such. Respecting these distinctions is not about politics. It is about the rule of law. When constitutional standards are misunderstood or ignored at the national level, the consequences are felt locally by families, courts, and communities. The Constitution protects all persons, and adherence to it is the foundation of lawful governance and public trust.
