Why the Bill of Rights for All?
What does it mean when we say ALL? Who should the Bill of Rights apply to and who should it not? These are fundamental questions about who we strive to be as Americans under the rule of law and ultimately with respect to the Constitution of the United States of America.
The Supreme Court of the United States has already answered this question (see examples below), yet the government continues to use existing laws (usually antiquated war time acts) and Executive Orders to limit rights, typically targeting non-citizens.
The issue is that if any level of government deprives any one person of their Constitutional rights, they set the stage where they can deprive all. The Constitution stands as a guard against the tyranny of government and tyranny of the masses.
References
Shaughnessy v. United States ex rel. Mezei (1953):
This case established that aliens, including those who entered the country unlawfully, are entitled to due process before being deported. The Court emphasized that the government must follow due process standards when attempting to expel aliens who have entered the United States.
Reno v. Flores (1993):
This case reiterated that the Fifth Amendment’s due process clause protects aliens, including those detained during removal proceedings,. The Court stated that aliens are entitled to notice and an opportunity to be heard, as well as a fair hearing.
Mathews v. Diaz (1976):
This case further solidified the principle that due process protections apply to all aliens, including those whose presence in the United States is “unlawful, involuntary, or transitory,” according to the Supreme Court.
This is a non-partisan site dedicated to preserving the rights that America was founded upon and the rights that have been extended and enshrined through Constitutional amendments. Every person in America should be concerned with the protection of rights for every other person in this country and indeed around the world. America should be a beacon to strive towards for all of humanity.