On Tuesday, 22 Democratic-led states, along with the District of Columbia and the city of San Francisco, filed lawsuits challenging President Donald Trump’s executive order to end birthright citizenship for children born in the United States to parents who are not citizens or legal permanent residents.
The lawsuits, filed in federal courts in Boston and Seattle, argue that Trump’s directive violates the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment. This marks the first significant court battle against Trump’s immigration policies since his inauguration.
Trump’s order would impact more than 150,000 children born annually in the U.S., denying them citizenship and, consequently, access to federal programs like Medicaid and the ability to work lawfully or vote once they reach adulthood.
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, one of the lead plaintiffs, emphasized that Trump does not have the constitutional authority to strip away such rights. “President Trump does not have the authority to take away constitutional rights,” she stated.
The lawsuits were quickly filed by a coalition of states and civil rights groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and immigrant organizations, alongside an expectant mother. They argue that the order undermines fundamental protections for residents and their constitutional rights.
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin also expressed strong opposition, saying, “Today’s immediate lawsuit sends a clear message to the Trump administration that we will stand up for our residents and their basic constitutional rights.”
The ongoing legal battle sets the stage for a major confrontation over one of the most controversial aspects of Trump’s immigration agenda.