A coalition of 18 Democratic-led U.S. states has filed a lawsuit challenging former President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship. The Attorneys General argue that the order violates the U.S. Constitution, particularly the 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to all individuals born or naturalized in the United States. This constitutional provision, ratified in 1868, was initially designed to grant full citizenship rights to formerly enslaved individuals and has long been interpreted to cover all children born on U.S. soil, regardless of their parents’ immigration status.
The Trump administration, however, contends that this interpretation of the 14th Amendment is flawed. A White House statement argued that the provision does not apply to children of non-citizens, describing the prevailing understanding as a misapplication of the law. New York Attorney General Letitia James called the order unconstitutional and dangerous, emphasizing the importance of preserving the constitutional promise of birthright citizenship.
The executive order, set to take effect 30 days after signing, has prompted the states to request an expedited court ruling to block its implementation. The 18 states, including California, New York, and Massachusetts, remain resolute in defending what they view as a fundamental right, ensuring that the principle of birthright citizenship remains intact for all born within the country.