Descendant of 1898 Plaintiff Speaks Outside SCOTUS

Wong Kim Ark's great-grandson warns justices against undermining 'American dream'

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:10am by Ben Kaplan

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Norman Wong, the 76-year-old great-grandson of Wong Kim Ark, spoke outside the Supreme Court on Wednesday as justices heard arguments over President Trump's order to curb birthright citizenship. Wong Kim Ark's landmark 1898 case affirmed that being born on U.S. soil makes one a citizen, and his descendant warned the court against getting the decision wrong, saying they 'will be shamed for history.'

Why it matters

The Supreme Court's ruling in the Wong Kim Ark case has been a cornerstone of American citizenship law for over a century, and any move to undermine it could have far-reaching implications for who is considered a U.S. citizen. The case has taken on renewed significance as the court considers the Trump administration's efforts to limit birthright citizenship.

The details

Norman Wong, a retired carpenter living in the San Francisco area, only learned of his ancestor's role in the landmark case later in life. Wong Kim Ark was barred from returning to the U.S. after a visit to China in 1895, leading to the Supreme Court case that affirmed birthright citizenship. Now, Wong's great-grandson is watching closely as the court considers arguments that could undermine that precedent.

  • In 1898, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Wong Kim Ark, affirming birthright citizenship.
  • In 2026, the Supreme Court is hearing arguments over President Trump's order to curb birthright citizenship.

The players

Norman Wong

The 76-year-old great-grandson of Wong Kim Ark, who spoke outside the Supreme Court as the case was being heard.

Wong Kim Ark

The plaintiff in the landmark 1898 Supreme Court case that affirmed birthright citizenship, and Norman Wong's great-grandfather.

President Trump

The president who issued an order to curb birthright citizenship, which is now being considered by the Supreme Court.

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What they’re saying

“They will be shamed for history if they get this wrong.”

— Norman Wong, Great-grandson of Wong Kim Ark

“Wong Kim Ark knew he was an American. And he demanded that his citizenship be recognized. He was willing to stand up.”

— Norman Wong, Great-grandson of Wong Kim Ark

“Wong Kim Ark didn't make the rule. He affirmed the rule.”

— Norman Wong, Great-grandson of Wong Kim Ark

“Today is not about defending a constitutional right. Today is about so much more: today is about defending the pure idea of what America is and will be.”

— Jose Andres, Celebrity chef and activist

What’s next

The Supreme Court is expected to rule on the case by the end of its current term in June 2026.

The takeaway

The Supreme Court's decision in this case could have significant implications for the future of birthright citizenship in the United States, potentially undermining a legal precedent that has stood for over a century. The case highlights the ongoing debate over immigration and the definition of American citizenship.