Which of the following are protected classes under strict scrutiny?

Which of the following are protected classes under strict scrutiny?

• A. Race
• B. Alienage
• C. National origin
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

When a law classifies people by certain inherently protected traits, courts apply strict scrutiny—the highest level of review. Race, alienage, and national origin are classic protected classifications that trigger this standard. To survive strict scrutiny, the government must show a compelling interest and that the measure is narrowly tailored to achieve that interest using the least restrictive means. Race has long been treated as a suspect class, and alienage classifications (especially in domains affecting fundamental rights or immigration-related rules) and national origin classifications are also subjected to this rigorous review. Because each of these bases invokes strict scrutiny, a law targeting any of them must meet that demanding standard. This is why all of the above are considered protected classes under strict scrutiny.

When a law classifies people by certain inherently protected traits, courts apply strict scrutiny—the highest level of review. Race, alienage, and national origin are classic protected classifications that trigger this standard. To survive strict scrutiny, the government must show a compelling interest and that the measure is narrowly tailored to achieve that interest using the least restrictive means. Race has long been treated as a suspect class, and alienage classifications (especially in domains affecting fundamental rights or immigration-related rules) and national origin classifications are also subjected to this rigorous review. Because each of these bases invokes strict scrutiny, a law targeting any of them must meet that demanding standard. This is why all of the above are considered protected classes under strict scrutiny.