Legal Challenges to Trump’s Plan to End Birthright Citizenship
A Coalition of Democratic-Leaning States Takes Action
A coalition of 22 Democratic-leaning states, including California and New York, has launched legal actions to block Donald Trump’s plan to end birthright citizenship in the United States. The two separate lawsuits were filed in federal court in Massachusetts and Washington state, respectively, just a day after Trump took office and unveiled a series of executive orders aimed at reshaping American immigration.
The Plan to End Birthright Citizenship
Trump’s executive order seeks to eliminate the automatic granting of citizenship to anyone born on US soil, a right guaranteed by the 14th Amendment of the country’s constitution. If implemented, the order would prevent the federal government from issuing passports, citizenship certificates, or other documents to children whose mothers are in the country illegally or temporarily, and whose father is not a US citizen or permanent resident.
California Attorney General’s Response
California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the suit, stating, "The President’s executive order attempting to rescind birthright citizenship is blatantly unconstitutional and quite frankly, un-American. We are asking a court to immediately block this order from taking effect and ensure that the rights of American-born children impacted by this order remain in effect while litigation proceeds. The President has overstepped his authority by a mile with this order, and we will hold him accountable."
The 14th Amendment
The 14th Amendment was adopted in the aftermath of the US Civil War, as part of an effort to ensure the rights of former slaves and their children. It states, in part, "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside."
Trump’s Claim
Trump claimed that the United States is the only country in the world that grants birthright citizenship. However, this is not accurate. Dozens of countries, including neighboring Canada and Mexico, also grant birthright citizenship.
Conclusion
The legal challenges to Trump’s plan to end birthright citizenship are a significant development in the ongoing debate over immigration policy in the United States. The coalition of Democratic-leaning states is seeking to block the order and protect the rights of American-born children. The outcome of these lawsuits will have significant implications for the future of immigration policy in the United States.
FAQs
- What is birthright citizenship?
Birthright citizenship is the right of a child to be a citizen of a country simply by being born within its territory. - What is the 14th Amendment?
The 14th Amendment is a part of the US Constitution that was adopted in 1868, following the Civil War. It guarantees citizenship to anyone born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to its jurisdiction. - What is the purpose of Trump’s executive order?
The purpose of Trump’s executive order is to eliminate the automatic granting of citizenship to anyone born on US soil, and to prevent the federal government from issuing passports, citizenship certificates, or other documents to children whose mothers are in the country illegally or temporarily, and whose father is not a US citizen or permanent resident. - What are the legal challenges to Trump’s plan?
The legal challenges to Trump’s plan are being led by a coalition of 22 Democratic-leaning states, including California and New York. The lawsuits argue that the order is unconstitutional and seeks to undermine the rights of American-born children.