In a bold move, 22 states have come together to sue President Donald Trump over his recent executive order that aims to end birthright citizenship in the United States. This order, which was signed on Trump's first day in office, would effectively deny automatic citizenship to children born in the US to parents who are in the country unlawfully or on non-permanent visas. The states, led by Democratic attorneys general, argue that this order is a clear violation of the US Constitution and federal immigration policies, and that it would have severe consequences for families and communities across the country.
At the heart of the issue is the interpretation of the 14th Amendment, which states that "all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States." Trump's order claims that this amendment does not apply to children born to parents who are not citizens or lawful permanent residents, but this interpretation is widely disputed by legal experts and advocates. The states argue that birthright citizenship is a fundamental right that has been guaranteed by the Constitution for over a century, and that Trump's order is a blatant attempt to undermine this right.
The lawsuit, which was filed in federal court in Boston, seeks to block the implementation of Trump's order and ensure that the citizenship rights of American-born children continue to be recognized. The states are also seeking a court order to prevent the federal government from denying citizenship to children born in the US to parents who are not citizens or lawful permanent residents. This is not just a matter of principle, but also has significant practical implications for families and communities who rely on birthright citizenship to access essential services and benefits.
As _New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin_ noted, "Birthright citizenship is the law of this land... We cannot just move past how extraordinary and extreme that executive order is." The states are determined to fight this order and protect the rights of American-born children, regardless of their parents' immigration status. With the fate of birthright citizenship hanging in the balance, this lawsuit is sure to be a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over immigration and citizenship in the United States ¹ ².
