A coalition of 18 Democratic-led states in the United States has filed a lawsuit challenging an executive order by President Donald Trump aimed at ending birthright citizenship.
The Attorneys General from these states lodged the legal challenge on Tuesday, arguing that the order violates the U.S. Constitution.
The 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868, guarantees citizenship to all individuals born or naturalized in the United States and under its jurisdiction.
Originally included to grant full citizenship rights to formerly enslaved individuals, it has long been interpreted to extend citizenship to all children born on U.S. soil, regardless of their parents’ immigration status.
Trump, who began implementing his aggressive immigration policies immediately after taking office on Monday, claims that this interpretation of the amendment is flawed.
A White House statement argued that the provision does not apply to children of non-citizens, describing the longstanding interpretation as a misapplication of the law.
The 18 states challenging the executive order include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
New York Attorney General Letitia James criticized the order, stating, “President Trump’s attempt to undermine the fundamental right to birthright citizenship is not just unconstitutional; it is profoundly dangerous.
“Today, we are suing to uphold the integrity of the U.S. Constitution and ensure the promise of birthright citizenship remains intact for all who are born here.”
Henzodaily learnt that the executive order would take effect 30 days after signing.
In response, the states have requested that the court expedite the case and issue a ruling to block the order before it is enforced.