Democratic States Challenge Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Executive Order.

In a significant legal challenge, a coalition of 18 Democratic states has initiated a lawsuit against President Donald Trump regarding his executive order aimed at overturning the long-standing principle of birthright citizenship. The Attorneys-General from these states filed the lawsuits on Tuesday, asserting that the President’s actions contravene established law.

The foundation of birthright citizenship is rooted in the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1868. This amendment was enacted to guarantee full citizenship rights to Black Americans, who were historically marginalized. Over the years, the interpretation of this amendment has extended to grant citizenship to all individuals born on U.S. soil, regardless of their parents’ immigration status.

Following his inauguration, President Trump expressed his intent to implement an immigration crackdown, asserting that the interpretation of the 14th Amendment allowing birthright citizenship is erroneous. The White House contended that this privilege does not apply to children of non-citizen parents.

In response, the coalition of states—including California, New York, and Massachusetts—argues that the executive order undermines the Constitution. New York Attorney-General Letitia James emphasized that birthright citizenship is a cornerstone of American justice, stating, “President Trump’s attempt to undermine the fundamental right to birthright citizenship is not just unconstitutional; it is profoundly dangerous.”

The lawsuit seeks to uphold the integrity of the Constitution and ensure that the promise of birthright citizenship remains intact for all individuals born in the United States. Additionally, the coalition has requested a swift judicial review to potentially block the enforcement of the executive order before it takes effect in 30 days. The American Civil Liberties Union has also filed a separate lawsuit aimed at halting Trump’s initiative.

As this legal battle unfolds, it underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding immigration policy and constitutional rights in the United States.